Maldives says Chinese ship on port call, won't do any research
These vessels are not military ships, officially, but India and others worry about the military use of their research.
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Maldives on Tuesday confirmed the upcoming arrival of a Chinese research vessel amid concerns by China's rival India, but said the vessel would not conduct any research while in the Maldivian waters.
A day after local and international media outlets reported about Xiang Yang Hong 03's journey to Maldives, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement that a diplomatic request was made by the Chinese government for the necessary clearances to make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment. The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters, it added.
"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. Such port calls not only enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and its partner countries, but also demonstrate the centuries old tradition of the Maldivian people welcoming vessels from friendly countries," the statement read.
"The Maldives continues to uphold international best practices, and relevant international maritime law on all such cases."
It is likely to raise concern in New Delhi, which has previously viewed the presence of such vessels close to its shores, including in Sri Lanka in 2022, as problematic.
These vessels are not military ships, officially, but India and others worry about the military use of their research.
Relations between traditional friends New Delhi and Male have soured since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November riding an 'India Out' campaign.
Both New Delhi and Beijing vie for influence on the tiny Indian Ocean nation but the new government in Male is pivoting towards China and has asked India to withdraw its nearly 80 troops stationed there by March 15.
New Delhi has in the past flagged similar visits by other Chinese research vessels with its other littoral neighbour Sri Lanka, which has denied permission for such vessels to dock on its ports since 2022.
In 2019, India expelled another Chinese research vessel from its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after it entered without permission.
