China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives

China on Friday said it will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives.

Chinese?Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that?Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Yameen?s Special Envoy, the Maldivian Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed in China.

Minister Saeed briefed China on the current situation in the Maldives and said that the Maldivian government is committed to upholding the rule of law and order, independently resolving the issues facing that country and realizing national stability and development.

?The Maldives has the capability to protect the security of Chinese personnel and institutions in the Maldives with all-out efforts.?Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China has been following the development of the situation in the Maldives and believes that the Maldivian government and people have the wisdom and capability to properly handle the current problem and resume the normal national order?in accordance with the law. China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives, and this is also a?basic?norm of international relations enshrined in the UN Charter,? Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference in China.

He said China supports the Maldivian government in resolving differences with relevant parties in the Maldives through dialogue and negotiation and upholding the independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests of the nation.

?The International community should play a constructive role in promoting stability and development of that country on the basis of respecting its will. China has provided selfless assistance to the socio-economic development of the Maldives, and the China-Maldives cooperation has delivered benefits to all the Maldivian people. We hope the China-Maldives comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership will keep developing in a sound and steady manner,? he added.

He says the situation in the Maldives should be properly resolved by various parties in the Maldives through dialogue and negotiation.

The spokesman said that the international community should play a constructive role on the basis of respecting the Maldives? sovereignty and will rather than take actions that may complicate the situation. (Colombo Gazette)