As India prepares for missile test, presence of Chinese survey vessels marks power jostle
At least four such Chinese vessels have been spotted in the strategic Indian Ocean recently, according to media reports
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.
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.
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.
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.