Former President Abdulla Yameen has said that the relationship between China and Maldives is a strong example of respect for Maldives's sovereignty and regional security.

President Yameen said this in a message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of political relations between Maldives and China. The opposition party, PPM’s presidential candidate President Abdulla Yameen said China has been an important partner in Maldives's social and economic development over the past half-century.

He said he would always support China's "one-China" policy. In addition, the President expressed his hope that relations with the Maldives will be further strengthened in the future.

China is one of the countries with which President Yameen's government has maintained close relations. The Maldives received the most loans and grants from China during President Yameen's rule. The Chinese government has been involved in many development projects in the Maldives. One of the largest such projects implemented by President Yameen's government, the Sinamale' Bridge, was implemented by a Chinese company with grants and loans from China.