What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background (Context of the Article, About the Chinese Vessel)
• Deteriorating India-Maldives Ties (Reasons, China’s Presence in the Indian Ocean)

Background:

• As per the foreign ministry of the Maldives Government, diplomatic request was made by the Chinese government for the necessary clearances to make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment.
• The ministry said that the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 will not be carrying out research in Maldivian waters, but will arrive for a port call.
• Reports of Chinese vessel heading to Maldives have drawn considerable attention in India.
  • This was significant especially in the wake of Sri Lanka announcing a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels calling at the island’s ports.
    • This was after India voiced concerns over visits by a Chinese vessel.
  • In October 2023, the Chinese research vessel Shiyan 6 had docked at the port of Colombo for replenishment and to undertake joint military scientific research in Sri Lanka’s EEZ.
• The Ministry said the Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries and continues to host both civilian and military vessels making port calls for peaceful purposes.

The Chinese Vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03:

• The research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03is expected to arrive in Malé on 8 February, following a planned exploration of the southern Indian Ocean from January to May 2024.
• The arrival of Xiang Yang Hong 03, which marine traffic portals describe as a research or survey vessel, is expected early next month.
• The vessel had earlier called at Sri Lankan ports, but did not obtain clearance for a visit early this year.

Deteriorating Ties between India & Maldives:

• The visit of the Chinese vessel to the Maldives is the latest source of tension for India, during a challenging phase of its ties with the Maldives.
• Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who was elected to office in September 2023, has demanded that Indian troops be withdrawn from the Maldives.
• He did not renew a joint hydrographic survey exercise with India.
• During his recent state visit to China, Mr. Muizzu also pledged to elevate strategic ties with the Chinese.
  • Besides holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Muizzu’s China visit was marked by signing 20 agreements, an aid of $130 million to Maldives.
• Despite sustained pressure from the Indian government, Mohamed Muizzu granted permission on 3 January for Chinese research vessels to dock in the Maldives.
  • India had previously expressed objections to the Sri Lankan and Maldivian governments regarding the docking of the Xiang Yang Hong 03.

Growing Chinese Presence in the Indian Ocean:

• In April 2023, a representative from the Indian Navy briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, revealing that China had experienced a significant naval expansion over just a decade.
• Importantly, they noted that China’s naval fleet had grown from 250 to over 350 ships, solidifying its position as the world’s largest navy.
• The representative highlighted further concerns about the nature of the data generated by Chinese research activities in international waters.
• While regulations permit research in these waters, the representative pointed out that the data collected often has both civilian and military applications.