BEIJING: China on Tuesday defended the increasing forays by its research vessels into the Indian Ocean as well to the Maldives, saying these were for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to scientific understanding of the ocean.
The Maldives had on Jan 23 permitted China’s Xiang Yang Hong 03 to dock at Male port, saying the halt was only for replenishment. The permission was given by the new, pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.
New Delhi is keeping a close watch on the movement of the ship, which is likely to dock at the Male port on Feb 8.
The Maldives had on Jan 23 permitted China’s Xiang Yang Hong 03 to dock at Male port, saying the halt was only for replenishment. The permission was given by the new, pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.
New Delhi is keeping a close watch on the movement of the ship, which is likely to dock at the Male port on Feb 8.