- The Maldivian government has allowed a Chinese research vessel to enter its port.
- The move could increase tensions with India as the Maldives is currently in a diplomatic dispute with India.
- The diplomatic row with India began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a photo of the Lakshadweep Islands, leading to accusations that he was trying to divert tourism.
The Maldives government said on Tuesday it had allowed Chinese ships to enter its ports, a move that could further irritate India, which has a diplomatic spat with the small archipelago nation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives has confirmed local media reports that the research vessel Xianyanghon 3 is on its way to the Maldives. The arrival date was not disclosed.
“The Chinese government has made a diplomatic request to the Maldives government to obtain the necessary permission for the port call, replacement of personnel and supplies,” the ministry said in a statement. No investigation will be carried out while the ship is anchored in Male Port.
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“The Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for ships from friendly countries and continues to host both civilian and military ships calling at its ports for peaceful purposes,” the ministry said.
President Mohamed Muiz of the Maldives speaks at a plenary session in Dubai on December 1, 2023. The Maldives government has confirmed that it has granted permission for a Chinese ship to enter its ports, a move that could further escalate tensions with India. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)
The ship arrived amid a diplomatic dispute between the Maldives and its giant neighbor India. There was no immediate comment from the Indian government.
The spat began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted photos on social media of himself walking and snorkeling in the Indian archipelago of Lakshadweep, which looks almost identical to the islands of the Maldives. The Indian government believes that the white sand beaches of Lakshadweep have untapped potential for tourism.
However, some in the Maldives saw this as a move by Prime Minister Modi to lure tourists away from the famous beaches and island resorts. Three deputy ministers posted derogatory remarks about Mr. Modi on social media, prompting calls for a boycott of the Maldives in India.
The controversy deepened when Maldives President Mohamed Muiz visited India's regional rival China and upon his return detailed plans to wean the small country off its dependence on India for imports of medical facilities, medicines and essential goods. .
India accounted for the largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives last year, and Muiz said that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists were in the lead; He said he would take steps to double the amount.
In an indirect reference to India, he also said that India does not give permission to other countries to bully India due to its small size and that China firmly respects the territorial integrity of the Maldives. added.
India and China are fighting over influence over the Maldives as part of their competition for control of the Indian Ocean. India, the Maldives' closest neighbor, considers the country within its sphere of influence. Meanwhile, China has welcomed the Maldives as a partner in its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build ports and highways to expand trade and China's influence across Asia, Africa and Europe.
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Muiz, a pro-China supporter, was elected president in November on the platform of eviction of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives. After returning from China, he proposed in a meeting with Indian officials that his troops be withdrawn by mid-March.
At least 75 Indian military personnel are said to be stationed in the Maldives, and Muiz has accused his predecessor of violating national sovereignty by allowing them to stay in the Maldives.
Known activities of the Indian military include operating aircraft and assisting in the rescue of people stranded at sea or in the face of disaster.
Sri Lanka, another island nation close to India, recently announced a one-year suspension of research ships from its ports. While the government's official position is to improve the capacity of local experts participating in joint research missions, the move is seen as a result of Indian concerns over the planned visit by a Chinese ship.
