NEW DELHI -- The growing political turmoil in the Maldives is threatening to become a major flashpoint between India and China, with the regional giants supporting opposite sides of a rapidly evolving situation.
Known for its beach resorts, the Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Trouble began there on Feb. 1, when the Supreme Court quashed the conviction of former President Mohamed Nasheed, who fled to the U.K. after being detained on terrorism charges. It also ordered the reinstatement of 12 lawmakers who had been stripped of their seats.
