Chinese 'research vessel' to arrive in Male amid India-Maldives tensions
Image Credit: ndtv
Amid escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, a Chinese research vessel—Xiang Yang Hong 03—is set to dock in the Maldivian capital Male on Thursday. The 4,300-ton ship is making its way to the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where it will map the ocean floor. Indian Navy officials have repeatedly objected to the presence of Chinese vessels in the strategically significant area.