China's spy ship returns to Maldives, raise tensions with India

New Delhi: Chinese research vessel, the Jiang Yang Hong 03, has arrived in the Maldives, reigniting concerns from India about its activities in the region. This follows a period of heightened tension between New Delhi and Male earlier this year when the same ship visited the Maldives.

Deepening ties between Maldives and China

The return of the Jiang Yang Hong 03 coincides with a growing closeness between the Maldives and China. President Mohammed Muizzu's pro-China party recently secured a dominant victory in parliamentary elections. This shift towards Beijing has caused unease in India, which traditionally enjoys close ties with the Maldives.

Chinese spy ship, the Jiang Yang Hong-3, is located 350 kilometers from the Maldives and the third surveillance ship, the Da Yang Hao,is located 1200 miles south of Port Louis,Mauritius.

The Chinese spy ship Jiang Yang Hong-1 has been in the Bay of Bengal for the past 1 month. pic.twitter.com/FYakDLWupU

— Yusuf Khan (@KhanYusuf98) April 11, 2024

Concerns over the ship's purpose

The Jiang Yang Hong 03 is classified as a research vessel by China. However, India and the United States have raised suspicions about its true purpose. Critics allege it's actually a spy ship designed for gathering intelligence, particularly regarding submarine activity.

Maldives maintain official stance

The Maldivian government has downplayed concerns about the ship's activities. In February, they stated that the vessel's initial visit was solely for crew rotation and that no research activities would be conducted.

Maldives defense minister's statement

Maldives Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon previously addressed the issue in Parliament, reiterating that the ship wouldn't conduct research within Maldivian waters. He explained that the February visit involved a crew change and routine supplies restocking.

Previous standoff and India's discomfort

The Jiang Yang Hong 03's prior visit in February caused friction between India and the Maldives. India expressed concerns and reportedly urged Sri Lanka to deny the vessel port access. The ship's arrival shortly after President Muizzu's visit to China further fueled Indian suspicions. Additionally, the vessel's deactivated radar system during its initial stay raised red flags.

The future of India-Maldives relations

The return of the Jiang Yang Hong 03 casts a shadow over India-Maldives relations. India will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, and the vessel's activities will be a key factor in determining the future trajectory of this important strategic partnership.