As New Delhi gears up for a long-range missile test in the Indian Ocean, the presence of Chinese survey vessels in the region signals Beijing’s intention to step up monitoring of its regional rival’s capabilities.
Observers note that China could be challenging India’s interest in the latter’s “backyard” by capitalising on opportunities arising from the missile test.
Indian media last week reported that China had deployed a fourth research vessel, the Lan Hai 101, in the Indian Ocean, waters critical to Delhi’s national security.
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Another Chinese vessel, the Shi Yan 6, was earlier said to be heading towards Mauritius, while the Shen Hai Yi Hao and Lan Hai 201 have reportedly started survey operations elsewhere in the region.
Officially classified for scientific purposes, the vessels are equipped with advanced sensors and sonars that can collect valuable military intelligence, including seabed mapping data and acoustics critical for submarine and anti-submarine warfare.
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The Chinese deployment to a region considered under India’s sphere of influence came amid a long-range missile test by India scheduled for next week.