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The research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, is designated as a non-military ship, but the primary purpose of such ships is almost certainly linked to military goals, like mapping underwater formations in the region, which is highly useful for any Chinese submarines that might operate in these areas

Winners at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2015 have been unveiled at the Kempsinki Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare.

Relations between India and the Maldives have strained since President Muizzu took office in November, shifting the governments focus towards China and requesting the withdrawal of nearly 80 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.

Seychelles will host the World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2015.

The Maldives government has confirmed that a Chinese "research vessel", the Xian Yang Hong 03 - widely seen as a spy ship mapping the Indian Ocean floor for military purposes - will dock at capital Male early next month.

The vessel would not be conducting any research while in Maldivian waters, an official statement by the foreign ministry said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from a PTI

Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf in Mauritius has unveiled

Both New Delhi and Beijing vie for influence on the tiny Indian Ocean nation but the new government in Male is pivoting towards China and has asked India to withdraw its nearly 80 troops stationed there

A Chinese spy ship, masquerading as a 'research' vessel, en route to Maldives has set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi amid a simmering row with Male, which erupted this month after three Maldivian ministers made comments critical of PM Modi.