World

Amid Strained Relations With India, China’s Research Vessel Docks In Maldives

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.

Also read: Russia Uses North Korean Missiles To Attack Ukraine

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

Modi Government Introduce Waqf Amendment Bill In Parliament: A Numbers Game

The second phase of the budget session is underway in Parliament, and amidst ongoing protests,…

1 min ago

How Your Skin Changes When You Stop Eating Sugar For 30 Days

Cutting sugar from your diet for 30 days can lead to noticeable improvements in your…

9 mins ago

Waqf (Amendment) Bill Will Benefit Muslims, Says All India Muslim Jamaat Chief

On Wednesday, All India Muslim Jamaat chief Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi affirmed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill…

49 mins ago

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024: Key Highlights And What It Means For Waqf Properties And Social Welfare

The Union government announced on Tuesday that it will introduce the Waqf Bill in the…

1 hour ago

Waqf Bill Sparks Political Storm In Parliament; Kiren Rijiju Leads The Debate

The Lok Sabha set an eight-hour Waqf Bill debate as the opposition slammed the rush.…

2 hours ago

Delhi High Court Rejects Accused’s Argument in Rape Case; Upholds FIR

Delhi High Court stated that an accused in a rape case cannot charge by arguing…

2 hours ago