The Chinese Embassy in Maldives has called on the media to stop spreading false news that undermines close relations between Maldives and China.
In a statement on Sunday morning, the embassy said some Maldivian media outlets were spreading false news about China that could affect the strong relations between the two countries.
"China has always tried not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. The projects that China has done in Maldives are only for the economic and social benefit of the Maldives," it read.
The embassy also opined that the false news would not create hatred against China among the people of Maldives.
Earlier, the Indian High Commission also appealed for action against those responsible for spreading false news that weaken India-Maldives diplomatic ties.
"We unequivocally reject fake news items being circulated on online platforms seeking to malign India-Maldives relations. We request [the Foreign Ministry] and [MMC] to take suitable action against those responsible and guide the concerned media to write responsibly and ethically," the High Commission tweeted.
With the second round of the presidential election scheduled for September 30, many media outlets and social media accounts are spreading news about the ruling party's "India First" policy and the opposition's close ties with China.
Some reports speculate that both superpowers wish to establish military facilities in the Maldives.
The Chinese Embassy statement said that they have requested the Maldives government to take action against those responsible for spreading fake news.
