Chinese Spy Ship Heads to Maldives Amid Diplomatic Strain with India

Maldivian President demands withdrawal of Indian military, blocks access to foreign ministry website for Indians

Chinese spy ship, Xiang Yang Hong 03, is en route to Maldives, expected to arrive on February 8, causing concern in India due to ongoing diplomatic strain with Maldives.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who recently met with China's Xi Jinping, has demanded the withdrawal of nearly 100 Indian soldiers and military assets in the Maldives by March 15.
The Xiang Yang Hong 03 is mapping the Indian Ocean floor, a task that can provide valuable data for anticipating natural disasters and future navigation using submarines and submersible drones.
Chinese 'research vessels' and warships have been spotted at four locations off India's southern and western coasts, suggesting a strategic move to cut off India's west coast.
Maldivian foreign ministry has blocked access to its website for Indians amid the diplomatic row.