The latest Chinese scientific ship to venture into the expanded Indian Ocean is the Shi Yan-6. It is currently headed to Hambantota Port. The Chinese Media has referred to it as a ‘Scientific Research Vessel” operated by a crew of 60 people. The Ship is equipped to conduct various operations, such as experiments in oceanography, marine geology, and marine ecology.
Costing over 500 million Yuan (approximately 77 million USD), the Shi Yan-6 is recognised as a key asset among China’s 3000-tonne deep ocean research vessels.
What will the ship study?
This three-month voyage driven by multi-disciplinary seeks to gather extensive fundamental data It aims to study and uncover how dynamic processes impact the bio-geochemical cycles, ecosystems, and sedimentary processes in the region, elucidate the geographical patterns of biodiversity, understand the response of biological communities to physical processes and gain insights to paleoclimate changes.
This expedition is expected to enhance scientific research collaboration with nations along the Maritime Silk Road (A component of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative), contributing to the integration of science and education support of the BRI, according to China.
Why is India closely monitoring these vessels?
According to Commodore Anil Jai Singh of the Indian Navy, “These are primarily civilian ships and not military vessels, so there is no objection to their presence on the high seas.” The Naval officer is also the Vice-President of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF).
This essentially means that as long as these vessels remain outside Indian waters, China or any other nation can carry out their activity research without issues. While conducting maritime research in international waters is not restricted under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on Law of Sea), states are required to seek permission six months in advance for the research in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or Continental Shelf.
“With the People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN-Chinese Navy) expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Chinese research vessels frequently make trips to the region, primarily in the Indian Ocean Region (eastern IOR). In 2019, they have encroached into India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and have prompted the intervention of the Indian Navy,” Commodore Singh said.
“Since then, they have stayed out of Indian waters but continue to operate in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), conducting seemingly benign activities such as seabed mapping and resource assessment. However, their actual focus lies in collecting hydrographic data, temperature, pressure, and salinity profiles, which is crucial for submarine operations,” he said.
Importance of Hydrographic Data
The understanding of the hydrographic data enables better deployment of submarines and determining optimal deaths and operating conditions. “Given the opaqueness of the underwater domain, limited knowledge includes its workings. Therefore, the more information that you possess about the underwater realm, the more you can operate your submarines,” Commodore Singh said.
Hydrographic data goes through various changes daily, such as fluctuation in the velocity of sea, especially in the deep-sea areas. “Even naval forces regularly monitor hydrographic profile. The information guides decisions like whether the submarine is ready for attack mode, optimal depth concerning other ships, and suitable depth for hiding depending upon the sea profile of the day. Any understanding of the underwater environment enhances a submarine’s official capability. Likewise, for India, the more China learns about hydrographic profiles, the harder it becomes for India to detect Chinese submarines since they can hide optimally.
Sea Mapping
Apart from hydrographic know-how, seabed mapping is vital not only for resource exploration but also helps the submarine in assessing the feasibility of submarine bottoming, which is a technique employed by the navies to hide their submarines on sea beds when necessary. These Chinese research ships also collect underwater minerals and metals for laboratory research.
They monitor the movements and operational profiles of Indian ships, including formations and deployments, and can intercept telemetry data from rockets and missiles, which aids in tracking trajectories and ranges.
Overall, the presence of these Chinese research vessels does away with the element of surprise for India, noted Commodore Singh, as the Chinese gather intelligence on Indian naval activities and can anticipate and respond to India’s strategic moves tactically.
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