Amid row with India, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday said "We may be small but this doesn't give any the right to bully us".
Muizzu was addressing a press conference on the concluding day of his China visit.
He also added that both Maldives and China have agreed to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their core interests.
"China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives' exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives," a joint statement by China and Maldives said.
China and Maldives signed 20 agreements which include cooperation in tourism to increase Chinese tourists to the island nation.
A massive row erupted after some ministers with the Maldives government made derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Lakshadweep visit.
Maldives took action against the ministers by suspending them.
The Maldives tourism industry suffered a setback after derogatory remarks were made by his ministers against Modi. #BoycottMaldives was gaining momentum with many Indians canceling their trips to the island nation.
Modi after his Lakshadweep visit urged Indians to visit the island nation and boost its tourism.
According to data, highest number of tourists ( 2,09,198) to visit Maldives were from India. While Russia and China held the second and the third place respectively.
