According to Marine Traffic, a private website keeping a watch on the movement of ships, the highly advanced Chinese ship is likely to dock at a Male port on February 8.
The Maldivian Democratic Party accused President Muizzu of affiliating with criminal gangs and failing to protect public officials, noting that such crimes have risen after he came to power. Opposition parties are bringing an impeachment motion against Muizzu citing his anti-India stance.
The attack on opposition-appointed Shameem came amid attacks on several parliamentarians by gangs on the road as well as a political crisis in the parliament. Maldives' pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu has come under fire for his anti-India stance, with the opposition preparing to impeach him.
On Monday, a lawmaker from MDP confirmed the party had gathered enough signatures to file an impeachment motion. But the party has not yet submitted it.
Expressing concern over the critical comments by the three ministers, Gasim urged President Muizzu to seek forgiveness from India for the indirect attacks made in the interview.
Maldivian ministers insulting comment against PM Modi triggered a fight on social media, where the Indian users called to boycott the Maldives and insisted on visiting Lakshadweep which has similar geographical dynamics.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group has agreed to submit an impeachment motion against President Muizzu amid the ongoing tensions with India.
Maldives and China elevated their ties into a strategic partnership after Muizzu visited Beijing and met his Chinese counterpart earlier this month. The Maldivian President has opted for a pro-China pivot after ordering the withdrawal of Indian military personnel in the country.
The opposition's statement came after Maldives allowed the docking of a Chinese ship, equipped to carry research and surveys, ignoring India's concern over the military use of such vessels. Maldives' foreign policu saw a marked push towards China after Muizzu came to power in November.
The Chinese vessel is on its way to Maldives after Muizzu's visit to China, where he signed several agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. India has repeatedly raised concerns over Chinese vessels and their use to spy on Indian defence installations.
Maldivian media reported that the family members urged the President's office for an air ambulance to airlift him from his home in Gaaf Alif Villingili to the capital city, as his condition deteriorated. But the President's office did not respond on time.
Muizzu's remarks came amid a row between the Maldives and India over derogatory comments posted by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading to a diplomatic row with India.
Notably, two advanced light helicopters-- (ALH) and a Dornier aircraft-- provided by New Delhi have been extensively used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The victory of MDP candidate, Adam Azim, is considered the major blow to Muizzu, as the post was earlier held by Muizzu till he resigned for the Presidential elections last year.
The statement comes at a time when India and Maldives have been involved in a diplomatic row following derogatory statements made by three Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier on Sunday, the government of Maldives issued a statement saying it was aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals and added it did not represent the views of the government.
Following an 11-week-long observation in the archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, upon the invitation of national authorities, the EU EOM found the campaign run by the PPM-PNC coalition was based on fears of Indian influences on the nation.
Muizzu, who is currently on a five-day visit to China, was accorded a red carpet welcome and a 21-gun salute after reaching the airport.
President Muizzu is currently on a five-day visit to China, where he appealed for increased efforts to attract Chinese tourists to the Maldives, especially in light of cancellations by Indian tourists.
Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)’s appeal came in a letter to the CEO of an online travel platform in India after it announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the island nation on its website in solidarity with India.
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