A disputed Chinese research ship arrived in the Maldives on Thursday, marking the latest indicator of the archipelago’s diplomatic shift toward Beijing and away from its longtime sponsor India.
Local witnesses reported seeing China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 at the Thilafushi industrial port near the capital Male.
According to the website marine traffic, the 100-meter-long (32A disputed Chinese research ship arrived in the Maldives on Thursday, marking the latest indicator of the archipelago’s diplomatic8-foot) warship was anchored in Male on Thursday evening.
The Maldives’ pro-Beijing government earlier stated that the vessel was docked for a port call to rotate crew and replenish supplies, but that it would not undertake research” while in its territorial seas.
India is concerned about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean, as well as its influence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, both of which are strategically located halfway along vital east-west international maritime routes.
Relations between Male and New Delhi have deteriorated since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu won elections last year.
Muizzu has ordered India to evacuate 89 security personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate reconnaissance planes by March 15.
But the president has also stated that he does not want to disrupt relations with New Delhi by replacing Indian soldiers with Chinese personnel.
Sri Lanka refused admission to Xiang Yang Hong 3 after India objected to two previous port stops by Chinese boats in 2022.
This includes the ship Yuan Wang 5, which specialized in spacecraft tracking and was identified by New Delhi as a spy ship.
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