"Maldives President Seeks Chinese Tourism Boost Amid India Tensions"

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu urged China to increase tourist arrivals amid a diplomatic row with India, following derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu praised China as a close ally and sought investments for various projects, emphasizing the importance of diversifying the country's economic base. The appeal to China comes as Indian tourists canceled reservations, impacting the Maldives' tourism industry, which has historically relied on visitors from India and China.