Prior to its arrival, the vessel reportedly conducted research activities in waters adjacent to the Sri Lankan EEZ.

As of 3:30 PM Sri Lankan time on Thursday (22), the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 was anchored in the Maldivian territorial waters near the capital, Male.

The vessel had previously been in Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone for approximately one month before departing yesterday.The vessel entered Maldivian waters early this morning.

The arrival of the Xiang Yang Hong 3 has added a new dimension to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and China regarding Sri Lanka.