NEW DELHI: The Maldives government said it has cleared a port visit by a Chinese research vessel but the ship would not conduct any survey while in the Maldivian waters.
“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 welcoming vessels from friendly countries,” the government said in a statement on Tuesday.
China had requested clearance for the port call by the Xiang Yang Hong 3 ship “for rotation of personnel and replenishment,” It said.
“The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters,” the statement added.
The ship visit comes amid growing relations between the Maldives and China.
Surveys by Chinese research ships in the region have previously caused concern in India, with New Delhi raising the matter with Sri Lanka last year.
India is tracking the Chinese research vessel now on its way to Male, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
The Global Times newspaper, a Chinese state publication, has sought to ally India’s concerns.
“After expressing dissatisfaction with Chinese research vessels docking at the port of Colombo and pressuring the Sri Lankan government, India has now set its sights on the Maldives,” it wrote in an opinion piece.
“China’s activities in the Indian Ocean region, even normal scientific research activities, are often given a military connotation by the Indian side,” the newspaper wrote.– BERNAMA
