Opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed worry over the Madives increasing ties with China.

Speaking to both local and international media at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo on Monday, Nasheed highlighted the lack of transparency in the China-Maldives deals.

Responding to a question, the self-exiled leader said it was difficult to determine how much Maldivian land that China received from the current administration, due to the lack of information on the agreements.

He also said that such ‘land-grab’ is detrimental to Maldives’ sovereignty.

“We subscribe to the idea of foreign direct investment, to the idea of international trade, not to the idea of relinquishing our sovereignty.”

President Abdulla Yameen signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in a visit to the country in December 2016.

The agreement has also reportedly strained ties with India, Maldives neighbor and China’s regional rival.

Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim has recently met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to India as a special envoy of President Yameen.