China's scientific survey fleet of ships is growing and although the government insists the vessels are for research purposes only, some Asian neighbours, especially India, are concerned sensitive data they gather might be shared with the Chinese military.
A research vessel - Xiang Yang Hong 03 - arrived at the Maldives on Thursday. It is the latest Chinese civilian survey ship that India has called a "spy ship".
China is expanding in both number and size its so-called China Marine Research Vessels, a national survey fleet established in 2012, as President Xi Jinping calls for the building of a "strong maritime country".
Chinese research vessels operating in the Indian Ocean
Representational Image
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