From the beaches of Maldives, Pompeo takes aim at China

The Secretary of State of the United States Mike Pompeo, in an official visit to the Maldives yesterday criticized China. 

The secretary was speaking in a press conference held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa where he was accompanied by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. Secretary Pompeo stated that the US very much took importance on its relationship with small island nations such as the Maldives and their security. 

“[Security of small island nations have taken new importance] As the Chinese Communist Party continues its lawless and threatening behavior. We see that behavior in the…illegal militarization of the South China Sea. We see encroachments into its neighbor’s economic zones. And we see it when Chinese state-owned companies trash the environment.” Said Secretary Pompeo.

Secretary Pompeo said that Chinese activity in illegal fishing had led to harmful effects on the industries, economies, and livelihoods of countries ranging from Madagascar to Indonesia which the Chinese government had failed to stop despite pledging to do so. 

“America is different. We respect the sovereignty, we urge transparency, and we build friendships and partnerships. And with that foundation set, I am confident that we will have plenty of new opportunities between our two countries, especially now that the new diplomatic presence is coming into place.” Said Secretary Pompeo. 

The Secretary also pledged assistance from the US to the Maldives regarding the negative impact of climate change and noted the financial assistance of the US to the Maldives since President Trump took office. Secretary Pompeo also noted that the USA had provided assistance to the Maldives financially and in regards to healthcare during the pandemic virus.

“I am here now because the United States values our friendship and we see important opportunities between our two countries to work together like we have never done before.” Said Secretary Pompeo who also noted that very productive dialogue was held with Maldivian leaders. The Secretary said that the US believed in a free and open Indo-pacific and that the US would always value sovereign nations who value their democracy.

“It is safe to say that our bilateral relationship has never been better. We are cooperating on everything from economic development to counter-terrorism an area in which our collaboration has increased significantly since the Trump administration.” Said Secretary Pompeo.

Secretary Pompeo also announced in his trip that the US was planning to open its embassy in the Maldives as well as the appointment of a resident ambassador. Foreign Minister Shahid described the move as symbolic of how the US saw the Maldives and attributed the move to the Maldivian government’s work on strengthening democracy and human rights as well as the rights of the citizens which would only be increased with the move. 

“It is a historic decision [opening a US embassy]. Because of it, the relationship between our two nations will prosper even more.” Said Minister Shahid.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the Maldives comes after 28 years since a top US official visited the nation. The last to visit the nation was Secretary of State James Baker back in 1992. Secretary Pompeo also met with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the visit. The Secretary departed from the Maldives after concluding his trip to three nations of SAARC, including the Maldives.