Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Beijing on Saturday ahead of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, set to convene from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin. The visit underscores the Indian Ocean nation's growing engagement with regional security and economic initiatives led by the SCO, a bloc increasingly pivotal to Asia's geopolitical landscape.
President Muizzu's participation marks the Maldives' first SCO summit as a full member since joining the organization in 2023. Analysts anticipate discussions will focus on maritime security cooperation, tourism-linked infrastructure financing, and climate resilience partnerships—key priorities for the low-lying archipelago.
The summit, hosted in Tianjin's newly expanded convention center, is expected to draw leaders from over 15 countries and regions. Observers note the Maldives' strategic location along vital shipping routes could position it as a bridge between South Asia and SCO powerhouses like the Chinese mainland and India.
This year's agenda includes a special session on digital economy integration, aligning with the Maldives' push to expand its tech-driven 'Blue Economy' initiatives. Bilateral talks between Maldivian and Chinese officials are also scheduled, building on recent agreements to enhance trade and cultural exchanges.
