Chinese Research Vessel 'Xiang Yang Hong 03' Arrives in Maldives Amid India's Security Concerns

A contentious Chinese research ship reached the Maldives on Thursday in the latest sign of the archipelago's diplomatic reorientation towards Beijing and away from its traditional benefactor India.

Local residents said they had spotted China's Xiang Yang Hong 3 at the Thilafushi industrial port near the capital Male.

The 100-metre-long (328-foot) vessel was at an anchorage near Male on Thursday evening, according to the website Marinetraffic.