The Government of the Maldives today confirmed that a Chinese research vessel in en route to the Maldives but denied reports that it would be conducting any research while in the Maldives.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that a diplomatic request was made by the Government of China to the Government of Maldives, for the necessary clearances to make a port call, for the rotation of personnel and replenishment.
It confirmed that the vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters.
The Ministry said that the Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries, and continues to host both civilian and military vessels making port calls for peaceful purposes.
It said that 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 Ministry reaffirmed that the Maldives continues to uphold international best practices, and relevant international maritime law on all such cases.
The Chinese vessel is en route to Male, open source intelligence researcher Damien Symon wrote on social media platform X, saying Xiang Yang Hong 03 “is entering the Indian Ocean Region, displaying its destination as Male, the vessel is expected to run an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean Region.
