# China 77th anniversary and Maldives strategic expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-77th-anniversary-diplomatic-commemorations
> Updated: 2026-09-25T13:33:35.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 5.

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese embassies and officials engaged in various diplomatic activities across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. 

In Africa, celebrations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Togo, Rwanda, and Uganda emphasized long-standing strategic partnerships. In Uganda, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth highlighted cooperation in infrastructure and healthcare, specifically citing the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and the Karuma hydropower dam, while welcoming the incoming 26th Chinese Medical Team. In Burundi, Ambassador Zhu Kewei noted China’s contribution of approximately 30% to global economic growth and the zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries. 

In the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the ‘One China Principle’ and emphasized a friendship built on sovereign equality. Ambassador Kong Xianhua expressed support for the Maldives' ‘blue economy’, fisheries, and agriculture, noting that major infrastructure projects, such as the China-Maldives Friendship Hospital and the Malé and Villimalé Road Redevelopment Project, are funded through Chinese aid to avoid increasing Maldivian debt.

Building on this foundation, the Maldives has since elevated its relationship with China to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to meet the nation’s 2040 development goals. This partnership focuses on infrastructure, housing, education, and trade. The activation of the China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement aims to increase bilateral trade toward USD 1 billion, though it faces historical criticism regarding debt dependency. To ensure long-term stability, the Maldivian administration is drafting legislation to protect the 20-year National Development Master Plan from being discontinued by future governments. Cooperation also includes cultural exchanges via the Maritime Silk Road and ongoing projects like the Friendship Bridge.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: China marks 77th National Day with diplomatic receptions in Sarawak and Jeddah

China celebrated its 77th National Day with diplomatic receptions in Sarawak and Jeddah, highlighting strengthened economic and technological ties with Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-marks-77th-national-day-with-diplomatic-receptions-in-sarawak-and-jeddah

### 2026-09-24: Maldives expands strategic cooperation with China to meet 2040 goals

President Mohamed Muizzu is expanding Maldives-China cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and culture to support the nation's 2040 development goals and ensure long-term project stability through new laws.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-and-china-strengthen-bilateral-ties-and-economic-cooperation

### 2026-09-23: China celebrates 77th National Day with diplomatic receptions across Africa

Chinese embassies in Burundi, Togo, Rwanda, and Uganda held receptions celebrating China's 77th National Day and strengthening bilateral ties through infrastructure, trade, and medical cooperation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-celebrates-national-day-and-bilateral-ties-in-rwanda-and-uganda

### 2026-09-21: China marks 77th anniversary with diplomatic ties in Mali and Sri Lanka

China marks its 77th anniversary with diplomatic commemorations in Mali and discussions regarding human rights and historical ties in Sri Lanka.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-marks-77th-anniversary-with-diplomatic-ties-in-mali-and-sri-lanka

### 2026-09-17: China celebrates 77th anniversary with diplomatic receptions in Burkina Faso and Mali

Chinese embassies in Burkina Faso and Mali hosted diplomatic receptions to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, highlighting bilateral cooperation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-celebrates-77th-anniversary-with-diplomatic-receptions-in-burkina-faso-and-mali

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Cite as: China 77th anniversary and Maldives strategic expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-77th-anniversary-diplomatic-commemorations