News Desk, Kolkata : The tension in the South China Sea has escalated as China’s secretive naval vessel, the ‘Shiyang Hong-3,’ is making its way to set anchor in the Maldives, raising concerns in New Delhi. The ship has already traversed the South China Sea, passed through the Malacca Strait, and entered the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands in Indonesia. It is expected to reach the Indian Ocean in the next few days and is scheduled to dock in the Maldives capital, Male, on February 8, as reported by an exclusive update.
The geopolitical tension in the region has been exacerbated by the recent visit of Maldives President Mohamed Mujazzar to China. Analysts view this development as a significant concern following Mujazzar’s anti-India stance, especially after his return from the China trip. Moreover, the Maldives government, under Mujazzar’s leadership, has declared a ‘state of emergency’ effective March 15, aiming to evacuate Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Approximately 100 Indian troops have been present in the Maldives as part of a bilateral agreement since 2010.
In recent years, China’s assertive naval presence has been observed near India and another neighboring island nation, Sri Lanka. Vessels like ‘Yuan Wang 5,’ ‘Hai Yang 24 Hao,’ and ‘Shi Yan 6’ have made temporary stops at India’s neighboring port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka, triggering concerns about the increasing strategic influence of China in the region. However, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government decided not to allow the Chinese naval ships to dock in their country, addressing India’s concerns.
In this context, President Mujazzar’s pro-China stance has directly raised apprehensions about potential conflict with India. His three ministers, including the current defense minister, have made anti-India remarks, adding to the diplomatic strain. The situation has prompted some factions within the international community to consider this as a potential flashpoint in the region.
Interestingly, President Mujazzar’s recent visit to China included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 11. During this meeting, Jinping assured support to the Maldives and expressed commitment to being their “old friends and closest partners.” The meeting also hinted at China’s continued interest in the Indian Ocean region, particularly around the Maldives.
On the official front, Beijing has not officially acknowledged the presence of its naval vessel in the Maldives. President Xi Jinping’s government maintains that the ship, ‘Shiyang Hong-3,’ will be engaged in “deep-sea research” activities in the Indian Ocean from January 5 to the end of May. Notably, China had earlier used Sri Lanka’s ports for naval activities, posing concerns to India’s naval security and missile testing capabilities. However, the termination of a 2014 watercraft agreement between India and the Maldives has limited India’s ability to conduct naval activities in the Maldivian waters.
In the midst of this unfolding geopolitical drama, India’s proactive Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the strategically important Lakshadweep islands, reinforcing India’s commitment to maintaining regional security. The Quad, a strategic alliance led by the United States, aimed at countering China’s dominance, has been actively working to strengthen its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mujazzar’s victory in the Maldivian presidential election marked a shift towards a more pro-China stance. This has become a cause for concern, especially considering the strained relations between India and China in recent times. The cancellation of a four-year-old watercraft agreement with New Delhi and the subsequent suspension of the three ministers who criticized India has not eased tensions. The situation remains fluid, and the international community closely watches the developments in the Indian Ocean, as the geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve.
In conclusion, the maritime chessboard in the Indian Ocean is witnessing heightened activity, with China’s strategic maneuvers, Maldives’ policy shifts, and India’s strategic responses creating a complex geopolitical landscape. The world watches as the South Asian region becomes a focal point for global powers, each vying for influence and control in this critical maritime space. The evolving narrative underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential for geopolitical shifts that could reshape the strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
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