Chinese Spy Vessel Sails To Maldives' Male. Maldives Welcomes

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Days after the Maldivives-Lakshadweep controversy row, China's research vessel is sailing toward Maldives' Capital Male. The Maldivian authorities confirmed on Tuesday 23rd January.

Moreover, the vessel named Xiang Yong Hang 03, manufactured in 2016, is reaching the Indian Ocean. As per reports, it will run an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean. The move has significantly flagged concerns for India. However, the Indian authorities have confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation. Earlier, India and Maldives on 14th January agreed upon a 'fast-track withdrawal of Indian military personnel' from the archipelagic country.

At the beginning of the year, the Maldivian MPs passed offensive comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Lakshadweep visit on their social media handles. This infuriated the whole nation which resulted in a #BoycottMaldives trend throughout social media and encouraging Indians to boost Lakshadweep tourism.