Chinese research and fishing vessels have been increasingly present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in recent years, with an average of 12-15 ships deployed annually according to a report from an Indian media agency. Senior defence officials noted that these vessels typically include hydrographic survey and satellite tracking vessels.
Approximately 12-15 ships are deployed in the IOR annually with an average of about three vessels present in the region at a given time one official said adding that the overall deployment of the Chinese research vessels in the IOR has remained consistent in recent years. Against the backdrop of India’s upcoming test of a nuclear ballistic missile a Chinese ship capable of satellite and missile tracking entered the Indian Ocean Region earlier this month.
The vessels join the oceanographic survey and research ships Xiang Yang Hong 01 and Xiang Yang Hong 02 along with another survey vessel Da Yang Hao. The hydrographical research vessels are equipped to undertake various activities include geological research bathymetric data collection seabed sampling underwater current profiling and the laying and maintenance of buoys.
There is also the possibility that the data collected could be used for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Navy submarine operations in the IOR the official added. Recent Observations indicate that Chinese vessels are often maintained outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Indian Navey closely monitors all Chinses vessels, when they operate in the IOR another official stated.
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