Second Chinese Research Vessel Spotted in Bay of Bengal as India Prepares Missile Tests

Heightened tensions in the Bay of Bengal are escalating as a second Chinese research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 01, has entered the region just days before India is scheduled to conduct missile tests.

The presence of the vessel raises concerns amidst India's planned test-firing of two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.

According to maritime data, the Xiang Yang Hong 01 follows another Chinese research vessel observed in the surrounding waters in recent weeks.

India is reportedly preparing to test the submarine-launched K4 missile alongside the land-based Agni-V variant between March 11th and 16th. While the exact date remains subject to change, the timing aligns uncomfortably with the Chinese vessel's movements.

Marine Traffic, a maritime tracking service, indicates that the Xiang Yang Hong 01 originated from the Chinese port of Qingdao on February 23rd, 2024. Damien Symon, an open-source intelligence expert, initially highlighted the vessel's presence in the Bay of Bengal via social media.

This development adds to the geopolitical complexity in the Indo-Pacific region as India and China maintain a historically uneasy relationship.

The presence of Chinese research vessels near India's planned missile tests raises questions about potential intelligence gathering operations and underscores the strategic competition between the two nations.

 

[Banjo]

The shameless dogs are up to their tricks.

 

[Sandeep]

It's obvious that they are monitoring our missile tests and it's capabilities. By developing the Agni 5 into having a MIRV capability it increases our lethality and makes the missile impossible for SAM defence systems to destroy every small nuclear missile which can increase our destruction distance.

 

[Ajath]

Why shadow.. we should do same what we did to and seized that Chinese Container Carrier Vessel in Int'l waters going to Karachi. We should seize this research (spying) vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01

If its in International waters then India do not have the right to detain the ship. The best option is to keep it under watch and prevent the ship from trespassing Indian waters.

 

[Ajath]

Perhaps we can see this situation as having a new target for a misfiring of the K4 or the Agni V?

SLBM and ICBM are not meant for anti ship role.

 

[Anant]

SLBM and ICBM are not meant for anti ship role.

Sarcasm, my friend, sarcasm. I know SLBMs and ICBMs are not meant to attack moving ships. I am merely poking fun at the Chinese.

 

[Ajath]

Sarcasm, my friend, sarcasm. I know SLBMs and ICBMs are not meant to attack moving ships. I am merely poking fun at the Chinese.

Noted Dost

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Don't believe that China will buy Indian excuse. Whether it is Chinese fault or not, repercussions will be inevitable. What if China says "We will go by our findings, not by Indian claims". Nowadays, nations are like this........!!!

India is not strong enough to be equally assertive against PLAN in IOR all because of smaller navy. India need to fill IOR as fast as possible!

NOTAM is part of international law. When NOTAM is given for a region for a specific time. No vessel should be there. If you are there, them you are there at your own risk.