Bridges reflect China's approach towards Africa

18.06.2026

When the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge opened to the public in August 2018, Fazeel Najeeb — then the Maldives' minister of state for foreign affairs — was not standing on a ceremonial stage.

Instead, he was waiting in line.

Riding his motorcycle, he edged forward alongside thousands of ordinary Maldivians, all eager to...