News

On South China Sea, defense chief Wei vows to respect freedom of navigation

Published

2 years ago

12/06/2022

MNN

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday vowed to preserve freedom of navigation in the South China Sea area based on international law, asking the neighboring ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries to stay united and prevent “some countries” from meddling on issues in the region.

“Freedom of navigation has never been compromised in the South China Sea,” Wei said while addressing the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

“In fact, China benefits most from freedom of navigation. If it were hampered in the South China Sea, China would suffer the most because without freedom of navigation, China’s economy would hardly grow,” he added.

He slammed “some big powers” of “navigation hegemony,” saying that these countries have sent warships and warplanes on a “rampage” in the South China Sea. The Chinese defense chief also urged neighboring countries to “properly handle disputes” and “resolve small differences,” so as to keep issues between sovereign countries and proceed in each other’s long-term interests.

China and the ASEAN countries launched consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in late 2018, and the parties have been in negotiations since. Last June, China and the ASEAN countries agreed to push for an early agreement.

“We countries in this region must stay vigilant and prevent some countries outside this region from meddling in the affairs of our region and turning the South China Sea into troubled waters,” Wei said in his speech at the dialogue.

Wei issues warning over Taiwan

Wei also warned against any separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence,” stressing that China “will not hesitate to fight, will fight at all costs and will fight to the very end.”

“Taiwan is China’s Taiwan, period.The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair,” Wei said. “No one should ever underestimate the resolve and capabilities of China’s armed forces to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Chinese defense minister also reiterated the country’s defensive military strategy, saying China has always sought peace and stability.

Earlier on Friday, Wei met with his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin. He told the U.S. secretary of defense that Washington should view China’s development and growth rationally, and called for an end to “smearing or suppressing China.”

A stable Chinese-U.S. military relationship is vital for the two countries, and the two militaries should avoid conflict and confrontation, Wei added.

Source: CGTN

News

Asia-Pacific Blue Economy Forum comes to Maldives

Published

1 hour ago

12/05/2024

The Asia-Pacific Blue Economy Forum for 2024 has been scheduled to be held in the Maldives.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed confirmed the forum will be held in the Maldives, noting it was privilege to become the forum’s host.

Besides this, the minister welcomed the high-level representation from Climate Finance Network (CFN) countries, and added the he was eager to “witness quick translation of forum outcomes into tangible action”.

The Asia-Pacific Blue Economy Forum will be organized and hosted by the ministry in association with the UNDP Maldives, with the support of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The forum aims to encourage the sustainability of ocean resources, improvement of economic prowess and employment scope related to the maritime and fisheries sectors.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Minister confirms redeployment of all Indian militants

Published

18 hours ago

11/05/2024

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has disclosed that the 76 Indian militants stationed in the Maldives have been successfully redeployed. The redeployment of foreign troops from the nation is a commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The withdrawal of the Indian military troops stationed by May 10 in the Maldives, as per the pledge of President Dr. Muizzu, were officially announced today at a press conference held at the President’s Office. The troops were redeployed in batches, with the first batch redeployed in March. This was followed by the withdrawal of the second batch of militants in April and the last batch on May 10.

Details on the withdrawal of the foreign troops are as follows: In March, a total of 26 soldiers who were stationed in Gan, Addu City were redeployed, with 12 militants redeployed on March 7 and 14 militants on March 9. Meanwhile, 25 military personnel in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll withdrew, with 13 soldiers redeployed on April 7 and 12 on May 9. The troops stationed in Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll were redeployed with 12 personnel withdrawing the platforms on May 7 and 13 by May 9.

Speaking at the press conference, Minister Ghassan revealed that the foreign soldiers working at Senahiya Military Hospital are doctors, and there were no plans to redeploy them. The minister assured that these soldiers were not partaking in any military roles.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Foreign Minister prioritises talks with India to expedite projects

Published

18 hours ago

11/05/2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has affirmed that significant strides have been made in expediting projects initiated in the Maldives with financial assistance from the Indian Government.

Following his official visit to India at the invitation of Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Minister Zameer said that a spectrum of initiatives across the nation has been kickstarted through loans and grants from the Government of India during the previous administration. He emphasised the current government’s commitment to prioritising the resumption and completion of these projects. He also underscored his dedication to this endeavor during his recent visit to India.

Additionally, Minister Zameer disclosed that both ministers engaged in bilateral discussions on May 9 to address pivotal matters aimed at expediting the projects. He underscored the discussions with Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on the operational dynamics of the committees entrusted with executing these projects.

During the official discussions between the two nations, Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated the significance of India’s ongoing projects in the Maldives.

Source(s): PsmNew