China Spy Ship Xiang Yang Hong 03

Amid strained ties between India and the Maldives, a Chinese vessel has entered the waters of the island nation and is set to dock in its capital Male. The 4,300-ton Xiang Yang Hong 03 is classified as a 'research' vessel

The Maldives government has confirmed that a Chinese "research vessel", the Xian Yang Hong 03 - widely seen as a spy ship mapping the Indian Ocean floor for military purposes - will dock at capital Male early next month.

A Chinese spy ship, masquerading as a 'research' vessel, en route to Maldives has set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi amid a simmering row with Male, which erupted this month after three Maldivian ministers made comments critical of PM Modi.

Amid strained ties between India and the Maldives, a Chinese vessel has entered the waters of the island nation and is set to dock in its capital Male. The 4,300-ton Xiang Yang Hong 03 is classified as a 'research' vessel

The Maldives government has confirmed that a Chinese "research vessel", the Xian Yang Hong 03 - widely seen as a spy ship mapping the Indian Ocean floor for military purposes - will dock at capital Male early next month.

A Chinese spy ship, masquerading as a 'research' vessel, en route to Maldives has set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi amid a simmering row with Male, which erupted this month after three Maldivian ministers made comments critical of PM Modi.