China's request to seek to dock a scientific research vessel at the ports of Sri Lanka and the Maldives between January and May 2024 has drawn strong opposition from India. India sees itself as the hegemon of South Asia and the Indian Ocean as its sphere of influence. Therefore, India has always been opposed to the appearance of Chinese research ships in the Indian Ocean. India is concerned that the Chinese research vessel may engage in activities that endanger India's interests and may collect intelligence from the Indian military. India** highlighted the rapid development of the Chinese Navy, which is expected to expand its range of activities to the Indian Ocean. They believe that Chinese research ships are preparing for their ** entry into the Indian Ocean and drawing up a map of the Indian Ocean seabed. In addition, India's concerns about the construction of Chinese naval bases in Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as joint military exercises with Pakistan, indicate China's growing influence at sea. Faced with these circumstances, India has warned Sri Lanka and the Maldives not to allow Chinese survey ships to dock at ports. However, small South Asian countries are already dissatisfied with India's interference, and some have even demanded that India withdraw its troops. This shows that India's hegemonic behavior is no longer acceptable to the countries of South Asia.
To describe the problem in more detail, we can expand on it from the following perspectives. First, we can ** India's influence in the South Asian region and its rivalry with China in the region. India has long tried to preserve its position in South Asia through economic aid and military cooperation. However, smaller South Asian countries have become increasingly unhappy with India's interference and have begun to take a more independent stance. This has made India uneasy and is trying to protect its interests by preventing Chinese research ships from entering the Indian Ocean.
Secondly, we can discuss China's strategic intentions in the Indian Ocean region. China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean region in recent years and has established naval bases and ports in the region through partnerships with countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. This suggests that China intends to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean region and may prepare for further expansion of maritime activities.
In addition, we can ** geopolitical competition between China and India. China and India are both great powers with strong militaries, and there are territorial disputes and geopolitical rivalries between the two countries. India regards China as its greatest threat and has always wanted to surpass China in the military sphere. However, the reality is much more difficult than India expected, and India has not been able to keep up with China in terms of military strength.
Finally, we can analyze the position of the small countries of South Asia in this incident. These countries have been trying to maintain a balance between India and China and avoid getting caught up in the geopolitical rivalry between the two countries. However, they also want to be able to independently decide on cooperation with other countries without interference from India. Therefore, they were more open to the arrival of Chinese research ships and expressed their dissatisfaction with India.
In summary, India's warning to Sri Lanka and the Maldives not to allow Chinese survey ships to dock at ports reflects the geopolitical tensions in the South Asian region. In India's geopolitical rivalry, China is trying to expand its presence in the Indian Ocean region and strengthen cooperation with small countries in South Asia. However, India's hegemonic behavior and interference have led to growing dissatisfaction among South Asian countries against India. This incident is not only about the rivalry between China and India, but also about the independence of small South Asian countries and regional stability.