Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s arrest and trial on terrorism charges is a “domestic matter” for the Maldives and the Chinese government would not interfere, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson Hong Lei has said.
The spokesperson was asked at a regular press conference on Wednesday (February 25) about China’s view on the situation.
“The issue you asked is the domestic matter of the Maldives. China upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. We believe the Maldivian side can deal with its domestic affairs properly,” Hong Lei replied.
Following Nasheed’s arrest and surprise trial on terrorism charges, the Commonwealth, India, Canada, UN and the EU issued statements expressing concern with the developments in the Maldives.
However, Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon dismissed the statements as biased and factually inaccurate.
“The Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom will not take instructions from a foreign government on any issue in governing the country,” she said.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day (November 11) last year, President Abdulla Yameen slammed “Western colonial powers” and declared his administration was “looking East” towards China.
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