China has dispatched three research ships to the Indian Ocean, a region traditionally viewed as part of India’s sphere of influence. This move marks a significant step in Beijing’s ongoing efforts to expand its maritime presence. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the implications of this deployment are being closely monitored by regional powers and allies.
The ships, identified as the Lan Hai 201, Shen Hai Yi Hao, and Shi Yan 6, were reportedly active in the Indian Ocean as of November 29, 2024. According to maritime analyst Ray Powell, who leads the Stanford University-affiliated analysis group SeaLight, these vessels are part of China’s extensive fleet of “dual-use” research ships, which can conduct scientific research while also supporting military operations.
China’s increasing military footprint in the Indian Ocean is concerning for the United States and its allies. India, a key security partner of the United States, collaborates with Washington in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, alongside Australia and Japan. This alliance aims to counter China’s assertiveness in the region and maintain a balance of power.
The Lan Hai 201, a comprehensive fishery scientific survey vessel, is capable of collecting and analyzing data and samples, including global navigation capabilities. The Shen Hai Yi Hao, equipped with a manned submersible, focuses on deep-sea sampling, while the Shi Yan 6 specializes in geophysical surveys. Tracking data reveals that the Lan Hai 201 has been surveying near India and the Maldives since November 13, while the Shen Hai Yi Hao has operated around Diego Garcia, a significant U.S. military base, since November 10.
“China is undertaking sweeping efforts to transform its navy into a formidable ‘blue water’ force capable of projecting power far beyond its shores,”
stated the Center for Strategic and International Studies in a report published in January 2024. As the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ventures into less familiar waters, such as the Indian Ocean, Beijing aims to deepen its understanding of the maritime environment by studying water conditions, currents, and seabed characteristics.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asserted that these maritime research activities comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and are intended to enhance scientific understanding of the ocean. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized in February 2024 that these efforts are for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, India is preparing for a missile test in the Bay of Bengal, declaring a no-fly zone that extends over 1,000 miles from shore from December 1 to 4, 2024. This move highlights India’s proactive measures to safeguard its interests in the region.
As China continues to assert its presence in the Indian Ocean, it has maintained a continuous naval task force deployment in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 for escort missions against piracy. This ongoing commitment underscores China’s broader strategy to enhance its naval capacities and maritime influence.
The developments surrounding the deployment of Chinese research ships in the Indian Ocean signal a critical moment in regional security dynamics. The strategic implications of these actions will likely shape the responses of India, the United States, and their allies in the months to come.
