Maldives Celebrates National Engineers Day, Writing a New Chapter in China-Maldives Friendship

The Maldivian government recently hosted a special event for National Engineers Day, commemorating the eighth anniversary of the opening of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge—a landmark Belt and Road Initiative project—and paying tribute to frontline engineering and construction workers.

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge has become a vital local transportation artery

A flagship project under high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and the Maldives, the two-kilometer bridge has a design lifespan of 100 years. Construction began in March 2016, and the bridge officially opened to traffic on August 30, 2018. The Chinese team has also provided follow-up technical maintenance and trained Maldivian personnel in bridge operation and maintenance.

A dedicated exhibition booth and interactive zone spotlighting the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge served as a centerpiece of the event. Chinese engineers shared stories of overcoming engineering challenges during construction and briefed the public on routine operation and maintenance, safety upkeep, and plans for ongoing quality upgrades. The event also featured engaging cultural activities, including "I Am a Bridge Designer" and "Silk Road Delicacies: Good Neighborliness Through Food," allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture in an immersive setting.

Local residents and children take part in the on-site celebrations

During the event, a young local girl presented a hand-drawn artwork. Her drawing vividly captured birds soaring across a clear sky, with the cross-sea bridge spanning the deep blue waters below. Through her youthful, delicate strokes, the child expressed her understanding of the friendship between the two countries, conveying sincere and heartfelt affection.

Over its eight years of operation, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge has improved connectivity among the Maldives' central islands, had a transformative impact on local socioeconomic development, and become an enduring symbol of the profound friendship between China and the Maldives. (Text by Zhao Ruyi; Photos by Wang Xinzhou)