Amid tense relations with India, a Chinese 'research vessel' docks in the Maldives

In the most recent indication of the archipelago’s diplomatic reorientation towards Beijing and away from its longtime benefactor India, a controversial Chinese research ship arrived in the Maldives on Thursday.

Locals reported seeing China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 at the industrial port of Thilafushi, which is close to Male, the capital.

The 100-meter-long (328-foot) ship was Thursday night at an anchorage close to Male, according to the website Marinetraffic.

The ship was docking for a port call to rotate crew and pick up supplies, according to the Maldives’ pro-Beijing government. However, they stipulated that the vessel would not be conducting “research” while in their territorial waters.

India is suspicious of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, which are strategically placed halfway along key east-west international shipping routes.

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Relations between Male and New Delhi have chilled since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu won elections last year.

Muizzu has asked India to withdraw 89 security personnel based in the Maldives to operate reconnaissance aircraft by March 15.

But the president has also insisted he does not want to upend ties with New Delhi by replacing Indian troops with Chinese forces.

Sri Lanka refused entry to Xiang Yang Hong 3 after two other port calls from Chinese vessels since 2022 raised objections from India.

That included the ship Yuan Wang 5, which specialises in spacecraft tracking and which New Delhi described as a spy ship.

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With inputs from AFP