A Chinese marine research vessel is heading towards the Maldives, the Foreign Ministry confirmed today while denying that the vessel would conduct research in Maldivian territory.
In a statement issued today, the Foreign Ministry said the Chinese government vessel "XIANG YANG HONG 03" is visiting Maldives for "rotation of personnel and replenishment."
"The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters," the statement read.
It noted that the Chinese government had made a diplomatic request to the Maldives government for the necessary clearances to make a port call in Male'. The vessel is set to arrive in Male' on January 30.
According to the statement, the Maldives has always welcomed vessels from 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," it added.
Maldives continues to uphold international best practices and relevant international maritime law, the Foreign Ministry stated.
The vessel, which is about 100 meters long, was added to the fleet of China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) in 2016. This is the only 4,500-ton vessel currently in China.
Since 2019, China has also been using the vessel to conduct "distant water" and "deep sea" surveys at China's Pilot Ocean Laboratory.
The vessel can also be used for studies on salinity, microbial genetic studies, underwater mineral exploration and underwater life and environmental studies.
A Chinese survey vessel is headed towards Maldives at a time when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu signed 20 agreements with the Chinese government during his state visit to the country earlier this month.
However, neither government has disclosed the details of the agreements.
India opposes increasing activities by Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean region. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government has also banned Chinese research vessels from entering the country's waters for a year.
Before Sri Lanka's economic collapse in April 2022, the country took out huge loans from China. More than 10 percent of Sri Lanka's debt is owed to China. Due to failure in repaying some loans, the port in Hambantota is now controlled by China.
The United States estimates that since 2019, 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean.
