The Maldives government has announced that it will permit a Chinese research vessel to make a port call despite concerns from India about the vessel's activities. The Chinese ship, Xiang Yang Hong 03, will be docking at a Maldivian port for replenishment, with no research to be conducted while in Maldivian waters, according to a statement from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. This decision comes in the midst of strained ties between India and the Maldives, following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who made Beijing his first port of call after taking office.

Traditionally, the first port of call for a Maldivian President has been New Delhi. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry stated that the Chinese ship's port call is for peaceful purposes, and that the Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries. The vessel is expected to arrive in the Maldives in early February, according to Marine Traffic. The announcement also comes after a meeting between President Muizzu and the chief of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John Acquilino, though it is not known if US concerns about Chinese research vessels in the Indian Ocean for military purposes were discussed.

The decision to allow the Chinese vessel to make a port call is likely to further deepen discord between the Maldives and India, particularly in light of the Maldives' reneging on its agreement with India that allowed the Indian Navy to carry out hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters. Additionally, Sri Lanka has implemented a 1-year moratorium on research/survey ships entering its waters, after facing similar concerns from India.