The Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will visit China from Sunday in what is seen as a clear attempt to align his country with Beijing instead of India.

The foreign ministry made the announcement on Thursday.

Both India and China have been competing to increase their influence over the Maldives, which lies in the middle of a strategically important sea lane in the Indian Ocean.

Muizzu, who is pro-China, came to power after winning a presidential election in September.

He has since been reviewing the policies of his pro-India predecessor, and is demanding an end to India's military presence in the Maldives.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that he believes Muizzu's visit will bring bilateral relations to a new stage.

Observers say China apparently sees stronger ties with the Maldives as part of a push to gain regional influence and boost Beijing's Belt and Road initiative.