Maldives and China sign 20 agreements, vow greater cooperation on BRI

News Snapshot:

Maldives and China on Wednesday signed 20 agreements, including one on accelerating cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, according to a statement issued by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s office. The agreements mark a “significant step in bilateral relations” between the two countries, read the statement. The Belt and Road Initiative is a multitrillion-dollar infrastructure scheme launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping that envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to mainly connect China with Asia and Europe. India has been critical of the Belt and Road Initiative as one of its components, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, passes through...