The Chinese vessel currently sailing to the Maldives will not conduct any research in Maldivian waters, the Foreign Ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry has released a statement indicating that the Chinese Research Vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 3, is stopping at Maldives for personnel rotation and replenishment. According to the statement, the Chinese Government made a diplomatic request to the Maldivian Government for clearance to allow the vessel to make a port call.
The Maldivian Government has assured that the Chinese Research Vessel will not conduct any research activities in Maldivian waters.
Foreign 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.
"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."
As the Chinese vessel heads to the Maldivian waters, India has announced monitoring the vessel's movement.
The Chinese ship is not military, but the data collected may benefit China's military, India cautioned.
Similar Chinese vessels have docked in the Maldives in the past. However, following an agreement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the two countries have agreed not to dock such Chinese vessels in Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Ministry has released a statement indicating that the Chinese Research Vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 3, is stopping at Maldives for personnel rotation and replenishment. According to the statement, the Chinese Government made a diplomatic request to the Maldivian Government for clearance to allow the vessel to make a port call.
The Maldivian Government has assured that the Chinese Research Vessel will not conduct any research activities in Maldivian waters.
Foreign 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.
"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."
As the Chinese vessel heads to the Maldivian waters, India has announced monitoring the vessel's movement.
The Chinese ship is not military, but the data collected may benefit China's military, India cautioned.
Similar Chinese vessels have docked in the Maldives in the past. However, following an agreement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the two countries have agreed not to dock such Chinese vessels in Sri Lanka.
