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Experiences recommend that the Maldives authorities is in discussions with China to deploy fish aggregating units (FADs) within the Indian Ocean, elevating considerations in regards to the potential strategic implications. These units are believed to not solely monitor fish actions but additionally gather chemical and bodily information on the ocean. There are considerations that China could use these units to spy within the area as effectively, reported India As we speak.
Whereas China is reportedly collaborating with Maldives’ Meteorology Division to safe permits for set up, the Maldivian authorities has but to verify the main points of the mission formally.
Including to those considerations, the Maldives Environmental Safety Company signed an settlement with China’s South China Sea Institute of Oceanography on February 19, reportedly for marine analysis.
This growth comes amid China’s rising presence in Maldivian waters. In early 2024, the Chinese language analysis vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03, one of the vital superior in China’s fleet, spent a month in Maldivian waters, drawing scrutiny from Indian authorities. Whereas the Maldives Overseas Ministry acknowledged that the ship was docked for resupply and crew adjustments, Indian analysts expressed considerations over potential army purposes, notably in seabed mapping that might help submarine operations. Hypothesis persists that China’s analysis actions within the Maldives could lengthen past environmental research, with fears that surveillance gear might be positioned beneath the pretext of scientific analysis.
Indian specialists have already been elevating their considerations over growing Chinese language exercise within the Indian Ocean, which poses a menace to India’s safety. Maldives proximity with Lakshwadeep and China’s aggression add to India’s considerations.
