A Chinese research vessel has reportedly arrived in the Maldives on Thursday, as indicated by global ship-tracking data, sparking renewed concerns over Beijing's activities in the Indian Ocean region. This occurrence comes merely three months after a similar vessel's presence in the area raised security apprehensions for New Delhi.
The ship in question, identified as Xiang Yang Hong 03 and affiliated with a research institute under China's natural resources ministry, commenced its journey from Xiamen, southeastern China, over a month ago before making its port call in Male, the capital of the Maldives. Notably, before reaching its current destination, the vessel conducted a comprehensive survey of waters adjacent to the exclusive economic zones of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka for more than three weeks, according to data from MarineTraffic.
China's foreign ministry has adamantly asserted that the vessel's research endeavors are solely intended for peaceful and scientific purposes, emphasizing its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge without any ulterior motives. However, India has consistently expressed unease regarding the presence of Chinese research vessels in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing their dual-use nature, whereby the data they collect could potentially serve both civilian and military objectives.
The visit of Xiang Yang Hong 03 is just one instance in a series of such occurrences involving Chinese research vessels navigating through the Indian Ocean. Previous incidents, including the passage of similar vessels through strategic waterways like the Sunda Strait in Indonesia and port calls in Sri Lanka, have heightened regional tensions, particularly with India.
In response to escalating concerns, Sri Lanka imposed a year-long moratorium on foreign research ships in January, effectively barring Chinese vessels from docking in its ports. However, the recent visit of Xiang Yang Hong 03 to the Maldives underscores ongoing anxieties surrounding China's expanding maritime activities and its deepening ties with nations in the Indian Ocean region, despite reassurances from both Beijing and the host countries regarding the nature of such engagements.
