Chinese 'survey’ vessel spotted in Indian Ocean again

New Delhi: An independent OSINT (open source intelligence) expert provided satellite photographs of a Chinese surveillance vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 01, in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) on Thursday (February 7).

“Chinese Ocean Survey vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 01 was seen entering the Indian Ocean Region a short while ago – the last time the vessel was observed in the region was March 2024, when it operated nearly 250- nautical miles off the coast of Visakhapatnam,” said the expert, whose handle on X identifies them as @detresfa, the Wire reported.

They also published a satellite image of the suspicious vessel. According to Deccan Chronicle, the same vessel was seen in the Indian Ocean Region previously in March 2024, when India was conducting its first flight test of the nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic Agni-5 missile. India has been closely monitoring the actions of Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean.

“We have also kept a close watch on the activities of extra-regional forces operating in the IOR, including the PLA Navy units – whether it is their warships, their research vessels, satellite tracking ships and we know who is doing what, where and how…” said Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi in an annual press conference, as reported by DC.

Last month, two Chinese vessels, Lan Hai 101 and 201, were observed in the Arabian Sea, allegedly performing research for China’s aquaculture sector.

“Fisheries science vessels, Lan Hai 101 & 201 are in the Arabian Sea conducting research for China’s aquaculture sector gaining information that will likely support Beijing’s distant-water fishing fleet that operates in the region,” the OSINT expert had posted.

India has long seen China's presence in the Indian Ocean as part of its alleged "String of Pearls" strategy, which some experts believe is an attempt to establish a network of commercial and military bases to broaden its naval footprint across South Asia.