A Chinese research ship, operating discreetly in the Bay of Bengal, was recently identified by French maritime intelligence company Unseenlabs through advanced satellite-based radio frequency surveillance. The vessel, located approximately 120 nautical miles from India’s territorial waters, had disabled its Automatic Identification System (AIS), prompting heightened vigilance from regional authorities.

The ship’s activities are believed to include seafloor mapping, acoustic monitoring, and potentially evaluating submarine routes, which could be associated with anti-submarine warfare strategies. While the vessel remained in international waters, its proximity to India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its covert operations raised alarms within the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

This incident aligns with a broader trend of increased Chinese maritime activity in the Indian Ocean. Similar vessels, such as the Xiang Yang Hong, have previously been observed near strategic naval zones, underscoring ongoing concerns about regional security dynamics.