Ocean forays

The waters of the Indian Ocean have played host to an unsettling presence ~ a Chinese research ship, Xiang Yang Hong 03, arriving in the Maldives, leav- ing a ripple of concern in its wake. This is not the first time such a vessel has ventured into the region, and its recent manoeuvres have reignited security apprehen- sions, particularly for India. China’s foreign ministry insists that the ship’s activities are purely for peaceful, scientific purposes. However, India’s unease is rooted in the lingering suspicion of dual-use intentions. The term “dual-use” hangs ominously in the air, indicating that the data collected by these seemingly civilian ves- sels could serve both civilian and military objectives. The Xiang Yang Hong 03’s journey, extending beyond the exclusive economic zones of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, raises eyebrows. The timing, just three months after a similar vessel stirred concerns in the Indian Ocean, adds fuel to the geopolitical fire. A US think tank has suggested that China’s navy might lever- age insights gained from such missions for naval deploy- ments, a notion dismissed by Beijing as part of an alleged “China threat” narrative. India’s worry is not unfounded, considering past incidents involving Chi- nese research vessels. The Yuan Wang 5, a military vessel capable of tracking rocket and missile launches, caused alarm when it arrived in Colombo in 2022. Moreover, the Xiang Yang Hong 03’s track record includes sailing through the Sunda Strait in Indonesia in 2021, where it reportedly turned off its tracking system three times, causing concern among Indonesian authorities. Sri Lanka, too, has experienced the unsettling presence of Chinese research vessels, prompting the island nation to impose a year-long moratorium on foreign research ships in January, denying China a port of call. Yet, the recent docking of the Xiang Yang Hong 03 in the Mal- dives underscores the persistence of China’s maritime activities in the region. What adds an intriguing layer to this narrative is the geopolitical backdrop. The visit comes on the heels of a January upgrade in ties between China and the Maldives, with President Mohamed Muiz- zu receiving generous financial aid of US$920 million. While nations have the right to foster diplomatic rela- tions, the timing raises questions about the true nature of China’s intentions in the Indian Ocean. For India, the stakes are high. The Indian Ocean is not merely a strate- gic waterway. It is an integral part of its security calculus. The recurrent presence of Chinese research vessels, ostensibly on scientific missions, poses a challenge that cannot be ignored. As China continues to expand its in- fluence in the region, India must navigate a delicate bal- ance between diplomacy and safeguarding its national security interests. As India remains vigilant, a nuanced approach is required to address the dual-use nature of such vessels, ensuring that the peaceful facade does not mask potential geopolitical ramifications that could dis- rupt the delicate equilibrium of the region.