The party of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has won the nation's parliamentary election, according to preliminary results.
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Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) won more than 60 of the 93 seats, the island chain state's Electoral Commission said on Monday.
Muizzu, who was elected president in October, wants to reduce New Delhi's influence in favour of a greater role for Beijing.
The Maldives has traditionally fallen more into India's sphere of influence, although China increasingly seeks access to the strategically important Indian Ocean archipelago.
Made up of 1192 low-lying islands stretched along about 871km, the Maldives is a popular tourist destination.
It is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to sea level rises caused by the climate crisis.
Australian Associated Press
