Chinese Spy Ship Activities in Indian Ocean Region Raise Concerns

Chinese military research-survey-surveillance ships, Xiang Yang Hong 01 and Xiang Yang Hong 03, are currently present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), causing concerns over their activities. Xiang Yang Hong 03 is docked at the Male seaport in the Maldives, while its sister ship, Xiang Yang Hong 01, is heading towards the Bay of Bengal for surveillance off India’s eastern seaboard. The vessels are known for carrying out hydrography and hydrological surveys under the guise of research but are suspected of monitoring missile firings off the Balasore test range and picking up noise signatures of Indian submarines. Despite a one-year moratorium against survey vessels declared by Sri Lanka in December 2023, intelligence indicates that Xiang Yang Hong 01 may dock at Colombo seaport. The Indian Navy is closely monitoring both vessels. The situation has become complicated with the Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu, seen as favoring China, Pakistan, and Turkey, allowing the docking of Chinese spy vessels in the Maldives.