I've heard of the Maldives, but I hadn't heard of all this recent controversy. The island is in a tough spot and it's difficult to even think of what their best options would be. Thanks for such a well-researched piece worthy of an upvote.

Interesting. The Maldives, as a nation, are put in quite a tough spot. They're not only fighting battles against the forces of nature to ensure its survival, but now large, regional powers are piling in, hoping to exert soft influence there. Yikes. While the general situation seems rather jumbled, it's predominantly the Northern parts that are in dire need of investment and I really see the principal power that controls the North, as controlling its future. The North has seen more poverty compared to the rest of the nation and it seems like the power that does invest in the North will see favourable responses from the people, but let's not kid ourselves; with a population of around 400 000 it won't exert itself on the geopolitical arena, all it can do is to cozy up to the power of their choosing. China will want that equity back on the land while Saudi Arabia pump in billions in the Faafu Atoll. What could possibly go wrong?

A nations right to Sovereignty should not be decided by an Oil pissing contest.  The entire way the world bank looks at nations debts, currencies and natural recourses must be completely overhauled.

What a well written piece of journalism. It's mind blowing the rate at which China is expanding its influence.

I just posted an article about China (hardly as well written as this). [here](https://steemit.com/news/@silentdiscourse/arms-race-2018-is-war-actually-on-the-horizon-pt-2-china)
If you'd like to have a look and maybe throw some pointers?

In the meantime, upvoted and following :)