New Delhi:
The Maldives government has confirmed that the Chinese “research vessel” Xi’an Yanghong 03, believed to be a spy ship mapping the Indian Ocean floor for military purposes, will enter port in the capital Male early next month. The ship will not conduct any “surveys” while in Maldivian waters, the island nation said, noting that permission was requested for “rotation and replenishment purposes.”
“The Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for ships of friendly nations and continues to host both civilian and military ships calling at our ports for peaceful purposes…”
“Such port calls strengthen the Maldives’ bilateral relations with partner countries and demonstrate its centuries-old tradition of welcoming ships from friendly countries…” the Maldives said. Ta.
The phrase “Welcome ships from friendly countries” is seen as a direct attack on India and is further evidence of Male’s pivot from New Delhi to Beijing. The move towards China represents a potentially significant geopolitical and military shift in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The 4,300-ton Xiangyanhong 03 is classified as a “research” vessel, mapping the Indian Ocean’s seabed. Such research exercises provide valuable data that can help predict natural disasters such as underwater earthquakes and reduce their disastrous effects. Mapping will also allow China to navigate these waters using submarines and underwater drones in the future.
Read | Saturday Photos: Chinese spy ship approaches Maldives, new concern for India
The Maldivian government’s permission to berth the Chinese ship comes amid a tense standoff between Maldives and New Delhi over critical comments made by three Maldivian ministers this month about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This caused an uproar in India and a backlash against the president at home. Mohamed Muiz.
Read | ‘Not in anyone’s backyard’: Maldives president amid conflict with India
Although three ministers have been suspended and the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a conciliatory statement, the fact is that Muiz, who was elected on the back of the “India Out” movement, has just returned from a state visit to China. During this visit, he met with Xi Jinping and announced the signing of 20 “important” agreements and elevating the relationship between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership.
Read | Maldives president praises China amid friction with India, Xi Jinping
The Maldivian leader also called on China to send more tourists to his country, a message that will bring the most tourists to the island paradise in the post-COVID-19 era. It is seen as a direct disrespect for India.
Read | Maldives president asks China to send more tourists amid standoff with India
But perhaps most important is the decision that Indian soldiers and military personnel, who have been stationed in the Maldives for over three decades, will be withdrawn by March 15. “Indian military personnel cannot remain in the Maldives. This is policy,” the President’s Office said in a brief statement. President Dr. Mohamed Muiz…”
Read | Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by March 15: report
At the end of Muizu’s visit to Beijing, it was confirmed that the friendly relations between China and the Maldives are growing, and the Chinese side said it supports the Maldives’ “protection of national sovereignty.”
China also said it “opposes external interference” in the internal affairs of the Maldives, which has benefited from India’s neighbor-first policy (without mentioning India by name in this context).
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