MALE, MALDIVES – A Chinese oceanographic research ship, the XIANG YANG HONG 03, has docked for a second time this year in the strategically located Maldives, sparking renewed concern among regional powers. Its return, following another survey mission in the Indian Ocean, underscores China's growing interest in the region.
The XIANG YANG HONG 03's previous visit to Male in February 2024 was met with skepticism. While China maintains the ship's purpose is scientific research, its past activities – including operating near India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands without broadcasting its location – have fueled suspicions about its true intentions.
Experts speculate that the XIANG YANG HONG 03's surveys could be focused on mapping the ocean floor and collecting data on currents and water properties. This information, while scientifically valuable, could also provide China with a tactical advantage, aiding submarine navigation and potentially complicating efforts to track potential threats.
The Maldives' willingness to host the Chinese vessel has heightened tensions with neighboring India. New Delhi, a traditional ally of the Maldives, likely views China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean with unease. India and China have a history of rivalry and border tensions, making India acutely sensitive to Chinese activities in the region.
The XIANG YANG HONG 03's repeated appearances in the Maldives highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Indian Ocean. As China seeks to expand its influence and secure its maritime interests, smaller island nations like the Maldives find themselves at the center of a growing strategic competition.
