China has dispatched three research ships to the Indian Ocean, a region traditionally associated with India’s sphere of influence. This move is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to enhance its maritime presence and capabilities. The ships, identified as Lan Hai 201, Shen Hai Yi Hao, and Shi Yan 6, were reported to be operating in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns among regional security partners, particularly India and its ally, the United States.
Significance of the Deployment
India plays a pivotal role in the United States’ strategy to counter China’s growing assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific. Both nations, along with Australia and Japan, are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which aims to maintain a balance of power and deter Chinese expansionism. The increasing military footprint of China in the Indian Ocean has been bolstered by its fleet of dual-use research vessels, which can collect vital maritime data that may support military operations. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, these vessels represent the largest fleet of their kind globally.
Maritime analyst Ray Powell, leading the Stanford University-affiliated group SeaLight, indicated that tracking data revealed the movements of the Chinese ships. The Lan Hai 201, a comprehensive fishery research vessel, has been active near India and the Maldives since November 13, while the Shen Hai Yi Hao has been operating near Diego Garcia, a significant U.S. military base, since November 10.
Understanding China’s Research Activities
Chinese state media has described the Lan Hai 201 as capable of global navigation and equipped to conduct extensive scientific surveys. The Shen Hai Yi Hao features a manned submersible for deep-sea sampling, while the Shi Yan 6 focuses on geophysical surveys. Although the specific missions of these ships remain unclear, China asserts that its scientific endeavors at sea align with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and aim to enhance global understanding of oceanic conditions.
As these developments unfold, India has established a no-fly zone for a potential missile test in the Bay of Bengal, effective from December 1 to 4, extending over 1,000 miles from its eastern coast. This step reflects India’s proactive stance in safeguarding its maritime interests amid increasing Chinese activity.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies noted in its January 2024 report that China is working to develop its navy into a formidable force capable of projecting power well beyond its shores. As the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ventures into less familiar waters like the Indian Ocean, it is focused on understanding the maritime environment through research and data collection.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, emphasized in February 2024 that the country’s scientific research activities are conducted for peaceful purposes and are compliant with international law. He stated that these efforts aim to contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of the ocean.
As China continues to enhance its presence in the Indian Ocean, its naval task force has also maintained a steady deployment in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 for escort missions against piracy. The implications of these activities resonate across the region, influencing both diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
