U.S. & Maldives Sign Defense Agreement to Counter China's Presence in Indian Ocean
The U.S. and Maldives have signed a defense cooperation agreement to maintain peace and security in the region, as an attempt to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean. The framework was signed in Philadelphia on September 10. The framework includes high-level dialogues, cooperation in maritime awareness, natural disasters, and humanitarian relief operations. China has continuously spread its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, also engaging in disputes along the South and East China Sea.