Maldives Prepares to Host Chinese Research Vessel, Ignoring India's Worries

Amid strained relations with India, Maldives welcomes a Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, raising concerns about potential spying. India previously expressed worries over such vessels in Sri Lanka. Muizzu's pro-China stance strains ties further, as he distances himself from India while fostering deepening relations with Beijing.

Image Source -www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

In a significant diplomatic move, the Maldives, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, is set to host a Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Maldives and India, as Muizzu seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing, distancing the nation from New Delhi. The Indian military, in collaboration with independent researcher Damien Symon, has identified the vessel's route to Male, indicating its intention to conduct an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean region.

India, along with other countries, has consistently expressed concerns regarding the military applications of research conducted by Chinese vessels, particularly in proximity to defense installations. This move echoes past incidents, including Chinese vessels near Sri Lanka in 2022. The presence of such vessels near India's shores has been a contentious issue, with fears of potential espionage on defense infrastructure.

Damien Symon, an open-source intelligence researcher, shared the vessel's destination on social media, raising alarm in India. The Indian military officially confirmed this information but has received no comments from relevant authorities in India, the Maldivian President's office, or China's defense ministry.

India's unease with Chinese vessels is not new. Sri Lanka previously denied docking permission to Chinese research vessels following Indian objections. Similar concerns arose in 2021 when a Chinese surveillance warship docked at Colombo Port, prompting delays. India's worry stems from the dual-use nature of Chinese research vessels, capable of serving both civilian and military purposes.

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Tensions between India and Maldives escalated when President Muizzu, advocating an 'India Out' approach, urged the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the country. The strained relations were further exacerbated by derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by deputy Maldivian ministers, triggering a diplomatic row. Muizzu's pro-China stance is evident in his efforts to deepen ties with Beijing, as reflected in recent agreements and the termination of emergency helicopter services facilitated by India. Despite the small size of the Maldives, its significant debt to China, amounting to $1.37 billion, emphasizes Beijing's role as a crucial bilateral creditor.

In conclusion, the hosting of the Chinese research vessel marks a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics of international relations in the Indo-Pacific region, with repercussions for diplomatic ties between Maldives, India, and China.