Maldives rules out research by Chinese vessel in its waters

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated25/01/2024

Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 will not be carrying out research in Maldivian waters, but will arrive for a port call, the Government of Maldives has said.

Reports of the Chinese vessel heading to the Maldives have drawn considerable attention in India
- Especially in the wake of Sri Lanka announcing a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels calling at the island’s ports, after India voiced concern over visits by a Chinese vessel.
The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters,” the Ministry said
The Ministry said the Maldives “has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of 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.
The vessel had earlier called at Sri Lankan ports, but did not obtain clearance for a visit early this year.
The visit of the Chinese vessel to the Maldives is the latest source of tension for New Delhi, during a challenging phase of its ties with Male.

Trincomalee harbour is on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka.
It is situated on a peninsula in Trincomalee Bay—formerly called Koddiyar Bay.
Trincomalee is the nearest port to Chennai, India.
Geopolitical and Strategic Significance: The location of this port in the Indian ocean has strategic significance, it has been of interest to several countries, including India, Japan and the US.
Japan commissioned the 2020 ADB (Asian Development Bank) study on the development of Trincomalee port.