Chinese State Media Warns Against Taking China’s Indian Ocean Research as Threats
Chinese state media has issued a strong warning against viewing China’s scientific research in the Indian Ocean region as a threat. The statement came in response to a report by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which suggested that China’s research activities could serve the military interests of the People’s Liberation Army. The report claims that the research conducted by Chinese civilian oceanographic and energy ships may contribute to the Chinese navy’s ability to project power in the Indian Ocean.
The Global Times, a state-controlled tabloid, criticized the report, arguing that it could be used by certain countries to manufacture a China threat narrative in the region. The timing of the report is particularly sensitive, given that the Maldives and China are strengthening their ties after the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, while Sri Lanka has recently suspended foreign research vessels from visiting its ports.
The CSIS study analyzed four years of data on Chinese research ship deployments and concluded that the information gathered could be valuable for China’s growing submarine operations. The study emphasized that the expansion of Chinese naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean presents a significant challenge to key regional players such as India, as well as to the United States and its allies.
In response to the report, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that China’s marine scientific research activities fully comply with international laws, specifically the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mao called for an objective understanding of China’s research endeavors and cautioned against speculating with biased views.
The Chinese defense ministry has not yet provided a formal comment on the report.
The Global Times defended China’s ongoing research missions in the Indian Ocean, asserting that they serve a purely scientific purpose and contribute to a better understanding of the region’s natural ecology. The publication stressed that the Indian Ocean remains one of the least explored oceans, citing the lack of sufficient on-site observations as a fundamental barrier to scientific understanding.
The issue of China’s presence and activities in the Indian Ocean has been a topic of concern for regional powers, including India and the United States. Reuters previously highlighted the challenges China faces in the region, including its lack of a permanent base network and air cover. However, the Global Times argued that China’s exploration and research initiatives are driven by genuine scientific curiosity and collaboration with regional partners.
As tensions and competition in the Indian Ocean continue to rise, the debate surrounding China’s research activities in the region is likely to persist. While concerns about the military implications of these activities are valid, understanding the complex dynamics at play is crucial to ensure an objective assessment and prevent the region from becoming a battlefield for geopolitical rivalries.
