Ex-president Nasheed alleges opposition leaders were arrested during president Yameen’s government with backing from the Chinese government.

While speaking at the India Economic Summit, Ex-president and current MDP president, Mohamed Nasheed claimed China has attempted to push their communist ideology on the Maldives through president Yameens administration. He believes the Chinese government’s strategy was to influence parliament to "change the laws, arrest opposition leaders, dissolve the constitution, shut down the parliament, arrest the judges and go for single-party rule."

Nasheed stated it was very clear that president Yameen had China’s full support. He added that while it is preferential to avoid confrontation, having full freedom is more important. Moreover, he emphasized not having any animosity against the Chinese money, people, or culture, however, there is a concern when ideologies that infringe on complete freedom are pushed onto our society.

Speaking further at the India Economic Summit, Nasheed described India as a country that takes a different approach to foreign policy as he believes India is more receptive to its citizens' concerns. He pointed out the high number of lawyers arrested by the Chinese government and how China’s superpower status is likely to change depending on current events, alongside the changing political and social climate. He further added he does not want the Maldives stuck in between two warring superpowers.

President Nasheed recounted spending half his adult life in prison as a political prisoner, mentioning how neither India or China is important compared to preserving human rights and that he is ready to work with any country that prioritizes protecting human rights.