Chinese Ship Detected in Bay of Bengal
A Chinese research vessel was caught operating in the Bay of Bengal near Indian waters.
French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs spotted it during a 16-day survey. The ship disabled its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to hide its presence.
This raised security concerns in the region. The vessel was active for several days in international waters, about 120 nautical miles from military zones
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal is a strategic maritime region for India. Chinese research vessels have been increasingly active here. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard closely monitor foreign ships. The French firm’s survey used satellite tracking and radio frequency emissions.
It found 9.6% of 1,897 tracked vessels, including this Chinese ship, had no AIS activity. This suggests deliberate attempts to avoid detection. The vessel’s recurring presence in the Indian Ocean drew attention.
What Was the Chinese Ship Doing?
The ship, suspected to be the Da Yang Yi Hao, was likely conducting seafloor mapping. It may have been analyzing the acoustic environment and identifying submarine transit corridors.
These activities support surveillance and anti-submarine warfare preparedness. Such data collection could give China strategic advantages in naval operations. The vessel’s proximity to recent naval activity heightened suspicions of espionage. Its operations align with China’s broader maritime ambitions.
Regional Tensions and Strategic Context
China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean worries India. The “String of Pearls” strategy involves ports and facilities across the region. This challenges India’s maritime interests. Tensions with Pakistan add to the stakes, as Chinese vessels often appear during military activities. India has responded by modernizing its navy and forming alliances, like a new undersea surveillance pact with Australia. The incident underscores the contested nature of the Indo-Pacific
Potential Consequences for India-China Relations
This incident could strain India-China ties further. India views Chinese vessels in its maritime backyard as a security threat. The Indian Navy’s surveillance will likely intensify.
Diplomatic protests may follow if espionage is confirmed. China’s actions could push India to strengthen regional alliances, like the Quad, with the U.S., Japan, and Australia. However, China may dismiss concerns, claiming the ship was in international waters
Global Implications and Maritime Security
The incident highlights broader maritime security issues. Disabling AIS violates international norms, raising questions about China’s intentions. Other nations, like Vietnam, have flagged similar Chinese activities in disputed waters.
This could prompt stronger international cooperation to monitor such vessels. It may also lead to calls for stricter maritime regulations. China’s expanding naval reach, including near NATO waters, adds to global concerns about its strategic goals.
