Maldives Welcomes Chinese Vessel Previously Denied Entry by Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Following its denial of entry into Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone, the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 reached the Maldives today. 

Prior to its arrival, the vessel reportedly conducted research activities in waters adjacent to the Sri Lankan EEZ.

As of 3:30 PM Sri Lankan time on Thursday (22), the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 was anchored in the Maldivian territorial waters near the capital, Male. 

The vessel had previously been in  Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone for approximately one month before departing yesterday.

The vessel entered Maldivian waters early this morning.

The arrival of the Xiang Yang Hong 3 has added a new dimension to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and China regarding Sri Lanka. 

India has expressed concerns about the repeated presence of Chinese research vessels in Sri Lankan waters, alleging potential security threats and dual-purpose data collection for both civilian and military activities, including submarine navigation.

In response to these concerns, the Sri Lankan government imposed a one-year ban on all research vessels conducting activities within its territorial waters.

However, the Chinese government had previously requested permission for the Xiang Yang Hong 3 to conduct inspections in Sri Lankan waters before the ban was implemented. 

This request coincided with the preparation of the vessel for its voyage to the Indian Ocean.

With the ban in place, the Xiang Yang Hong 3, which had departed the Chinese port of Sanya on January 16th, diverted to the Maldives instead of Sri Lanka. 

While initially announcing an arrival date of February 8th in the Maldives, the vessel reportedly engaged in research or survery activities near the Sri Lankan maritime border.

The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka extends 200 nautical miles from its southern coast. The Xiang Yang Hong 3 reportedly operated outside this zone during its activities near Sri Lanka.

Indian media sources have interpreted the Sri Lankan ban and the arrival of an Indian submarine in Colombo as a victory for India.

Chinese media, on the other hand, have characterized Indian pressure on Sri Lanka as a shameful act.

The Maldivian government has clarified that the Xiang Yang Hong 3 is not conducting research activities within their territorial waters and is solely present for logistical purposes.