China forges defense ties with India neighbors Maldives, Sri Lanka

BEIJING/NEW DELHI -- China's military is pursuing closer cooperation with the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal, all countries that border India, in a bid to strengthen its position amid an ongoing territorial dispute with New Delhi.

A delegation from the Chinese military this month met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and held talks with defense representatives from all three countries, according to China's Ministry of National Defense. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the discussions covered shared regional security concerns.