Maldives is with China

Maldives has announced that a Chinese marine research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 03, had been given permission to dock in the archipelago. The Maldives Foreign Ministry said the vessel was currently en route but did not specify when it was expected to arrive.

The Foreign Ministry said it had received a "diplomatic request" from Beijing for permission to dock. According to officials, The vessel will reportedly rotate crew and resupply in port before heading back out to sea, and will not conduct any research while in Maldives' waters.

Maldives has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries, and continues to host both civilian and military vessels making port calls for peaceful purposes."

Relations between India and the Maldives have soured since Mohamed Muizzu was elected president of the archipelago in November. The pro-Beijing politician ran on the promise to kick "India out" of the country and recently traveled to Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Beijing says its vessels pose no threat.

According to Maldives President Muizzu, China respects the country's territorial integrity. He has also suggested that India has no right to bully the small island nation.