Following the arrival of an Indian technical team to replace troops in the Maldives, the Maldivian Defence Ministry signed a military agreement with China. The pact, signed by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, aims to strengthen bilateral ties through China’s provision of military assistance. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, it aligns with efforts to elevate China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This move coincides with India’s decision to withdraw troops from the Maldives and replace them with a technical team, following persistent calls from President Mohamed Muizzu. Meanwhile, remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have sparked attention in the Maldives, perceived as a response to Muizzu’s stance against bullying.