China on Wednesday said that its cooperation with the Maldives was built on equality, voluntariness and mutual benefits and cannot be smeared by any individuals.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks when asked to comment on former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed's recent claim that none of the China-Maldives projects "made business sense," and that China "cannot foist infeasible projects on developing countries."
Nasheed told Indian media that the new government of the island country will audit all infrastructural projects and that China will understand Maldives' reason for doing it.
"Whether China-Maldives cooperation is feasible or brings mutual benefits to each other, the people of the two countries have the final say," Geng told a regular press briefing.
"The bilateral cooperation cannot be smeared by individuals," he said, adding that he was deeply regretful and puzzled that some people had made such remarks.
China-Maldives cooperation has been based on equality, voluntariness, mutual benefits and strictly abided by rules and laws of the market, Geng said.
"If there is any force that attempts to wantonly impair China's interests out of political purposes, China will firmly oppose to it and resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," he said.
