Male: Chinese Research Vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 on Thursday docked in Maldives capital Male. The development came amid ongoing tensions between India and Maldives. Xiang Yang Hong 03 docked in Male almost over a month after leaving China’s Xiamen.
Chinese Foreign Minister termed this vessel as “exclusively” for peaceful purposes. India has previously raised concerns over the presence of Chinses research vessels in the Indian Ocean.
In January this year, a US think tank was of the opinion that China could take leverage from insights from these kinds of missions.
Relations between traditional friends New Delhi and Male hit rock bottom since President 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.
The article originally appeared on Times Now.