According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the near future, China's "Xiangyanghong" scientific research ship will go to the Indian Ocean, and then carry out relevant scientific research work. In this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that China appreciates the assistance provided by the Maldives government.
Don't look at the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as plain, but there is a story of ups and downs behind it. Originally, China's "Xiangyanghong" scientific research ship was supposed to go to the Indian Ocean in early January to carry out scientific research work, and chose to dock at a port in Sri Lanka before that.
However, later Sri Lanka was forced by India to choose to break the treaty with China. On the eve of the departure of the Chinese research vessel, Sri Lanka released a rumor that the research vessel, including China, should be prohibited from docking at Sri Lankan ports, or even carrying out scientific research activities in its exclusive economic zone.
Although the Sri Lankan government did not say it explicitly, it is clear to everyone that this order is aimed at China, and the driving force behind it is India. Historically, the arrogant India has viewed the Indian Ocean as its "back garden" and has been reluctant to see other countries operate and expand its influence in the region.
Especially for China's precautionary heart, Sima Zhao's heart is well known to everyone. Against this backdrop, China has no choice but to find another way to request permission from the Maldives for the research vessel to dock at ports in the Maldives.
In the face of China's diplomatic request, Muiz of the Maldives, who had just returned from a visit to China, immediately gave instructions, and not long after the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, claiming that the Maldives had allowed Chinese research ships to dock at ports for personnel rotation and material replenishment.
Then, there was the opening news, in which China expressed its appreciation for the convenience and assistance provided by the Maldives. Looking back on this event, I can't help but feel emotional. On his first foreign visit in 2023, Muiz of the Maldives chose China, which elevated China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the Maldives benefited a lot.
Because of this, after seeing China's diplomatic request, Muiz immediately chose to return the favor and solve the problem of China's scientific research ship. Then again, India was already unhappy with the Maldives after Muiz chose to visit China as the first stop of the new year, and then the Maldives allowed the Chinese research ship to dock, further angering India.
It can be seen from this that when the Chinese "Xiangyanghong" scientific research ship arrives at the port of the Maldives, I am afraid that India's dissatisfaction will reach its peak, and it cannot be ruled out that it will take the opportunity to do something to suppress the Maldives. In the face of this potential possibility, I believe that the mainland needs not only appreciation, but also convenience and support, because the Maldives is a small country and simply cannot compete with India.
In addition, this time in the case of the scientific research ship, China and India have started a "diplomatic secret war", and judging from the results, India can be regarded as losing. Based on my understanding of the Indian government, they will definitely not be reconciled, and I am afraid that they will find a way to return to the field, and the next game between China and India in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region may have just begun.