The Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Maldives said in a statement that the island country "has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries".
Maldives said that the docking of the Chinese ship at Male was a "diplomatic request" by the Government of China. (File picture)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 23, 2024 19:27 IST
Maldives said on Tuesday confirmed that the Chinese 'spy' ship Xiang Yang Hong 3 was docked at Male and said that it was "a diplomatic request" by the Chinese government for "rotation of personnel and replenishment".
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Maldives said in a statement that the island country "has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries".
It further stated that it continues to host both civilian and military vessels, which make port calls, "for peaceful purposes".
A Chinese research vessel is on its way to the Maldives, according to an Indian military official and an independent researcher.
India had flagged the docking of a similar Chinese research vessel at Colombo port in Sri Lanka last year.
Published By:
Ashutosh Acharya
Published On:
Jan 23, 2024
English (US) ·