Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to deepen bilateral ties with the Maldives after congratulating President-elect Mohamed Muizzu on his victory in the presidential runoff. Muizzu's party campaigned for closer relations with Beijing, marking a shift from the India-friendly stance of incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Xi, who visited the Maldives in 2014 and announced Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasized the long history of friendly exchanges between the two countries.

Muizzu's election has raised expectations in China that the Maldives will pursue pro-Beijing policies. However, observers believe that Muizzu may adopt a more nuanced foreign policy given the country's economic challenges and the example of Sri Lanka, which faced a severe economic crisis despite significant Chinese investments. India played a critical role in assisting Sri Lanka during its crisis, providing $4 billion in aid.