In the wake of India’s recent flight test of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, reports have surfaced of a Chinese research vessel, ‘Xiang Yang Hong 01’, being deployed near Indian waters, ostensibly to observe the test proceedings. The vessel, positioned less than 260 nautical miles off the coast of Visakhapatnam, is suspected of gathering crucial data on the missile’s capabilities and range.
The Chinese vessel, identified as the ‘Xiang Yang Hong 01’, reportedly embarked from China’s Qingdao port on February 23, just days before India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was set to conduct its missile test near the Bay of Bengal. This development adds to recent concerns over increased Chinese surveillance efforts in the vicinity, as evidenced by the detection of another Chinese ship near the Maldives.
While XIANG YANG HONG 03 continues its survey work in the Indian Ocean Region, another Chinese Ocean Survey vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 01 is now seen entering the Bay Of Bengal region pic.twitter.com/delmIPFU7L
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) March 10, 2024
According to maritime analytics provider Marine Traffic, the ‘Xiang Yang Hong 01’ is currently positioned approximately 480 kilometers off the coast of Visakhapatnam, while another vessel, the ‘Xiang Yang Hong 3’, had recently visited the Male port in the Maldives. The presence of these vessels in strategic locations aligns suspiciously with India’s announcement of flight restrictions over the Bay of Bengal, known as the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), issued ahead of the missile test.
The Agni-5 missile, developed indigenously by DRDO, represents a significant technological achievement for India, boasting Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) capabilities. Dubbed “Mission Divyastra,” the recent test conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha saw the successful tracking and monitoring of multiple re-entry vehicles by various telemetry and radar stations.
While India celebrates its technological advancements, the alleged presence of Chinese surveillance ships raises concerns about regional security and the implications of such activities on international relations. With tensions simmering between the two Asian giants, the incident underscores the delicate balance of power in the Indian Ocean region and the need for vigilance in safeguarding national interests.
