Male: China signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster “stronger” bilateral relations amid the latter’s strained ties with India over President Mohamed Muizzu’s deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation. The details of the defence cooperation are not known yet. Male: China signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster “stronger” bilateral relations amid the latter’s strained ties with India over President Mohamed Muizzu’s deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation. The details of the defence cooperation are not known yet.