The transfer would additional solidify Beijing’s affect within the Indian Ocean and place Chinese submarines nearer to UK and US navy belongings in Chagos, Diego Garcia and the Seychelles, to not point out India itself.

It follows victory by China-leaning Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on a platform of “India out “ to beat incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in general elections held a fortnight ago

The results mark a return of a pro-China stance held by the Maldives before Solih came to power in 2018.

They are also a blow to New Delhi which had come to regard the islands as part of its sphere of influence.

The news comes as the head MI5 warned China was trying to steal nuclear technology from the UK and attempt to scupper the crucial nuclear submarine deal struck between Britain, the US and Australia.

Muizzu has already publicly pledged to expel a force of around 75 Indian soldiers ostensibly based on the islands to maintain and operate two rescue helicopters and a maritime surveillance plane donated by New Delhi.

The rescue assets have been used to save 523 lives in more than 500 medical evacuations over the past five years.

While it is unlikely that ties with India will be completely severed, Muizzu will attempt to consolidate economic ties with Beijing.

While no mention has yet been made of allowing a Chinese military footprint, senior government and intelligence sources in the islands are concerned that China will use the excuse of protecting vital energy routes to call for it.

“We feel it is only a matter of time for Beijing to play this card, and we are not sure President Muizzu will be inclined to resist it,:” mentioned one senior supply in Maldives capital Male.

It just isn't the primary time the specter of a Chinese navy base has surfaced within the Maldives.

In 2020 satellite tv for pc photos confirmed proof of mass development on the island of Feydhoo Finolhu, which had been leased by China till 2026 for $4m by pro-China president Abdulla Yameen 4 years beforehand,

Significantly the island has additionally been expanded from 38,000 sq. metres to measure 100,000 sq meters in measurement, in a transfer which echoed China’s actions on the Spratly Islands within the South China Sea.

Any Chinese navy base would strengthen China’s capability to manage maritime freedom of motion within the area and act as a buffer for Taiwan, putting China’s People’s Liberation Army and Navy forces with simply 1,000 km of India’s mainland. The distance to Diego Garcia and Chagos is significantly shorter.

Analysts additionally warn {that a} Chinese navy outpost might be used to dock nuclear submarines within the area or accumulate hydrological information to trace sub-surface operations of India like deployment submarines.

“China’s military ambitions are not yet clear but, given Beijing’s interest in a bigger presence in the Indian Ocean, the prospect of a Chinese military base is a concerning one,’ said Shiza Abbassi, intelligence analyst for South Asia with the Sibylline strategic risk group.

“China has been seeking a way to increase its influence for quite a while.

“It has already established a heavy footprint in Pakistan and influence in Sri Lanka as part of the so-called ‘string of pearls’ effort to undermine India’s influence in South Asia.

She added: “A military base in the Maldives would chime with its broader vision. And because China’s energy supplies pass through the Maldives, it would make sense for Beijing to make the case that its military presence would simply ensure these supplies.

“President Muizzu has left the door very much open for this.”