New Delhi, March 14 -- The Maldives is grappling with a deepening debt crisis, with foreign exchange reserves at precarious levels and looming repayments threatening its economic stability.

According to journalist Dimitra Staikou, China's lending and trade policies have significantly worsened the situation, news agency ANI reported.

In 2025 and 2026, the Maldives must repay $600 million and $1 billion, respectively, exacerbating its financial strain.

The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enacted in January 2025, has intensified economic vulnerabilities.

While bilateral trade stands at $700 million, Maldivian exports make up less than 3%, with China dominating imports.

Government revenue from import duties has plunged by 64%,...