Sri Lanka has imposed a one-year ban on Chinese research vessels from entering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in alignment with Indias concern on Chinese spying disguised as marine exploration, presenting a diplomatic challenge for Beijing. The move poses a diplomatic challenge for Beijing.While the vessel has been banned by Indias one neighbor, its other neighbor with whom India has an ongoing row is set to receive the ship in its country next month.Which country is set to welcome Chinese research vessel to its shoreThe Chinese vessel named Xiang Yang Hong 03, a 4813-ton research ship is en-route to Maldives and will dock in the country in early February. The vessel is equipped with sophisticated surveying and monitoring technologyWith a pro-China outlook by the Maldivian government in recent times, the presence of Chinese fleets in the Indian Ocean has stoked fears in the region.Why does India not want Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean India regards any Chinese engagement in the region with caution as it views Sri Lanka and Maldives as essentials in maintaining its maritime security perimeter.India has always been vocal about its concerns with the presence of Chinese research ships near its borders alleging that they are gathering intelligence on critical Indian assets and defenses. When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka in July 2023, he reaffirmed his worries about these vessels.With Sri Lanka banning the vessels and Maldives accepting them amid tensions with India, the Indian Ocean becomes a region of complicated power dynamics.While Sri Lankas decision has helped meet the maritime security needs of India, Maldives becoming pro-Chinese has again posed a risk to India as it gives the Chinese government more access to conduct searches and intelligence gathering in the Indian Ocean region.ConclusionAs countries like India and China engage in a tussle to dominate the waters of the Indian Ocean, smaller countries like Sri Lanka and Maldives are caught in the middle. This situation demands sensitive diplomacy on all sides. However, Chinas move in the Maldives and beyond shows the complicated power dynamics in this strategic region remain uncertain.
