Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong has stated that China is a contributor, not a trap maker and that the agreements between China and Maldives needs to be honored.

The ambassador's remarks came as a rebuttal to former President Mohamed Nasheed's claims that he saw Chinese investments as a debt trap.

In a series of tweets, the ambassador said that sensational and baseless remarks on China by a Maldivian politician was absurd and that China’s investment in Maldives is no different from any other country. On the talks of reconstructing the debt to China, the ambassador said to honor the agreements and that it is good to uphold the credibility of a sovereign country.

"On China-Maldives FTA, I trust Maldivian Government will make wise choice on an agreement already signed by the two governments after years of negotiations and consultations on equal footing," the ambassador added.

He further expressed his hope that Maldivian politicians have an objective and responsible attitude on bilateral ties, cherish what they have achieved so as to keep this important relationship on healthy and correct track.