Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 has departed for China after docking in Male' twice and skirting Maldivian territorial waters for the past three months.

The Chinese ship arrived near the Maldives on January 29, 2024. The vessel docked in Male' for the first time on February 22. After heading back to the boundary of the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) again, the vessel returned after a month and docked in the Thilafushi harbour on April 25, 2024.

The Chinese ship is currently in the Java Sea near Indonesia, Adhadhu found using satellite AIS tracking. The vessel is travelling on the same route that it took to the Maldives for its return to China.

Chinese research vessel departs Maldives EEZ to return to China.

Tracking data on the ship's activity shows that the Chinese vessel sailed within the Maldives EEZ on several occasions over the past three months. The Chinese vessel entered several miles within Maldivian territory southwest of Addu.

The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed the ship's arrival following media reports. In a statement released in February, the Foreign Ministry said the Chinese vessel was due to visit the Maldives for replenishment of stocks and the rotation of its crew. The ship is expected to have docked in Thilafushi twice for these purposes.

The most modern research vessel in the Chinese fleet at present began its journey to the Maldives on January 14, 2024, 24 hours after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu concluded his state visit to China.

During the President's trip, a total of 20 agreements were signed with China. On March 4, the Maldives also signed a defence agreement with China. But the government has not disclosed details about this agreement.

Criticism of the current government's close ties with China and the vessel "circling" in the Indian Ocean has mainly been coming from India. Moreover, Sri Lanka has banned any Chinese vessel from docking in the country over the next year.