An aeriel view of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge linking the Maldivian capital of Male with neighboring island Hulhule Photo: Xinhua

Despite facing geopolitical pressure, the joint efforts of China and the Maldives to pursue enhanced economic and trade cooperation will demonstrate that seeking common development and cooperation is an irreversible trend in the region.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu recently announced that the free trade agreement (FTA), signed between the Maldives and China, will be implemented from September, following the completion of the necessary legal procedures. 

But some Western media outlets suggested the deal has triggered sovereignty concerns. Critics said that the FTA could leave the Maldives economically dependent on China, thus threatening its sovereignty, according to a Monday report published by the VOA Chinese website.

If anything, the primary reason for concern lies in the vast difference in size between the Chinese and Maldivian economies. But this unwarranted bias overlooks the actual needs and potential benefits of economic and trade cooperation. Economic and trade cooperation between countries of varying sizes is not only possible but can also yield numerous benefits.

The FTA between China and the Maldives will be a testament to the mutual gains that can be achieved through enhanced economic relations.

As an island nation whose economy is based on marine resources, the Maldives will undoubtedly see the FTA with China as a huge opportunity for its economic development. The deal will facilitate access to the Chinese market for the Maldives' aquatic products, promoting the Maldives' export growth and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market. 

At the same time, Chinese products exported to the Maldives will receive preferential treatment in terms of reduced tariffs. This mutually beneficial arrangement will inject new vitality into economic exchanges between the two sides.

Moreover, the FTA has the potential to play a positive role in promoting economic development in the South Asian region. China-Maldives FTA is the 16th FTA China signed, and it is Maldives's first bilateral FTA with a foreign country.

Given the Maldives' status as a key island economy in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, the signing of this FTA will pave the way for China to establish an economic cooperation corridor toward the Indian Ocean, ultimately fostering a regional platform for economic integration.

The signing of the China-Maldives FTA is a strong boost for regional economic development. It sets an example of mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of vastly different scales, further promoting regional economic integration and common prosperity. The demonstration effect on other countries in the region could potentially inspire them to pursue similar economic and trade cooperation with China and other major countries, thereby promoting economic integration and common development in the entire South Asian region.

The signing of the FTA also underscores China's commitment to small island developing states, demonstrating the importance and support it places on these nations. China has consistently displayed respect and assistance toward these countries, acknowledging their distinct challenges and offering aid to the best of its capabilities. This cooperative and proactive approach is crucial for fostering stability and prosperity in South Asia and beyond.

Western media outlets have intentionally misrepresented the cooperation under the FTA as simply economic dependence. They tend to prioritize geopolitics, placing excessive emphasis on the strategic rivalry between China and the US, while neglecting the genuine requirements of regional economic growth and the significance of collaborative efforts. Their focus is not on the prosperity of the region, but rather on aligning with the US strategic agenda.

This type of prejudice is not a unique occurrence, but rather a manifestation of the long-standing attitude of the West toward Asian countries. In the Western media narrative, Asian countries' development and prosperity are often downplayed in comparison to the strategic interests of Western powers. 

Nevertheless, the unwavering desire of Asian countries to pursue development remains steadfast in the face of Western geopolitical hype. The ongoing efforts of China and the Maldives to pursue the FTA serve as a compelling testament to this resilience.