China refutes former Maldives' President's "land grab" allegation

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang speaks at a press conference in Beijing on February 13, 2018. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says the people of China and Maldives have the final say on whether bilateral cooperation brings benefits to them.

Geng made the remarks in response to comments by a former president of the island country in the Indian Ocena, Mohamed Nasheed, who alleges that China is engaged in a land grab in his country.

"His latest words are exactly the same as his previous ones, purely fabricated, ridiculous and absurd. The two peoples of China and the Maldives have the final judgment and final say on whether the bilateral cooperation is in the interests of both countries and brings benefits to both countries and both peoples, which can't be abused by any individual's one-sided words," says Geng.

In a recent interview with an Indian newspaper, Nasheed said he would seek international help to solve the so-called "land grab" issue if he returned to power.

Earlier, Geng Shuang denied a report that China has attached political conditions to aiding the Maldives.

Geng said the aid has done no harm to the country's sovereignty and independence, let alone jeopardized the Indian Ocean area's security.

Geng also said that China continues to cooperate with the Maldives on infrastructure construction and projects aimed to improve livelihoods on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment.