Chinese Military Delegation Visits Maldives, Sri Lanka & Nepal

A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation for international military cooperation visited Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal from March 4 to 13, announced the Chinese Defense Ministry on Wednesday.

During the visits, the Chinese delegation met with the President of Maldives and held talks with the defense authorities of three countries respectively, the PLA announced on its media outlet

They exchanged views on mil-to-mil relations and regional security issues of common concern, with a focus on promoting bilateral defense cooperation, and reached a series of consensus. The visits further enriched the contents of defense cooperation between China and relevant countries, the announcement said.

The visit comes amid diplomatic differences between India and Maldives. China is reported to be offering weapons and other military equipment to the Maldives to help defend its exclusive economic zone.

China has been attempting to draw south Asian countries bordering India within its orbit of influence. Pakistan was the first to open extensive military cooperation with China and is its major buyer of  defence products.