China has requested for another research survey vessel, following the Shi Yan 6’s recent foray off Sri Lanka, has cast a ripple of unease across the Indian Ocean. Memories of Shi Yan 6’s controversial mission, shrouded in concerns over espionage and seabed mapping, linger fresh. Now, Beijing’s renewed bid for access to ports in Colombo and Male for deep-water exploration from January to May 2024 raises crucial questions.
The Shi Yan 6’s visit to Sri Lanka in October 2023 was initially meant for “marine scientific research,” but raised alarms in India and the US due to its proximity to sensitive military installations and the timing coinciding with India’s naval exercises. While Sri Lanka ultimately restricted the vessel’s activities, the episode highlighted concerns about China’s opaque research objectives and potential dual-use of scientific platforms for intelligence gathering.
Beijing’s request for a new ship to conduct deep-water exploration in the Indian Ocean rekindles these anxieties. The vast expanse of the region holds strategic significance, encompassing energy resources, shipping lanes, and critical military chokepoints. While China maintains its research is purely scientific, its growing assertiveness in the region and opacity surrounding its maritime activities fuel suspicions about strategic motivations.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, face a delicate dilemma. Allowing access to the Chinese vessel could bring economic benefits through port fees and potential research collaborations. However, acquiescing to China’s request also carries risks of jeopardizing their relations with India, a key security partner and economic source.
Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives must carefully consider the implications of granting access to the Chinese vessel. Transparency regarding the research objectives, collaborative involvement of regional stakeholders, and maintaining open communication channels with India and other concerned parties will be crucial in fostering trust and mitigating concerns.
Ultimately, the fate of China’s request hangs in the balance. The decision by Sri Lanka and the Maldives will serve as a litmus test of their ability to navigate the complex geopolitical currents of the Indian Ocean, balancing economic needs with strategic considerations and regional stability.
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