Chinese Research Vessel Arrives Near Malé Amid Regional Security Concerns

A Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, arrived near Malé after a month near the Maldives' EEZ, sparking security concerns. The vessel departed from China on January 14, 2024, a day after President Muizzu's state visit. It vanished from tracking in the Java Sea on January 22, later reappearing near the Maldives EEZ. Owned by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, it has conducted surveys in international waters. India worries about dual-use capabilities. China asserts peaceful research, while the Maldives Foreign Ministry says the visit is for replenishment. Australia's Penny Wong raised concerns at the Indian Ocean Conference about China's naval ambitions. China granted 920 million yuan aid to Maldives.

A Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, arrived near Malé after a month near the Maldives' EEZ, sparking security concerns. The vessel departed from China on January 14, 2024, a day after President Muizzu's state visit. It vanished from tracking in the Java Sea on January 22, later reappearing near the Maldives EEZ. Owned by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, it has conducted surveys in international waters. India worries about dual-use capabilities. China asserts peaceful research, while the Maldives Foreign Ministry says the visit is for replenishment. Australia's Penny Wong raised concerns at the Indian Ocean Conference about China's naval ambitions. China granted 920 million yuan aid to Maldives.

A Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, arrived near Malé after a month near the Maldives' EEZ, sparking security concerns. The vessel departed from China on January 14, 2024, a day after President Muizzu's state visit. It vanished from tracking in the Java Sea on January 22, later reappearing near the Maldives EEZ. Owned by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, it has conducted surveys in international waters. India worries about dual-use capabilities. China asserts peaceful research, while the Maldives Foreign Ministry says the visit is for replenishment. Australia's Penny Wong raised concerns at the Indian Ocean Conference about China's naval ambitions. China granted 920 million yuan aid to Maldives.

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