Indian Navy Tracked Militia Vessels China Sent To Intimidate ASEAN Nations Taking Part In South China Sea Drill

The Indian Navy monitored several militia vessels that the Chinese sent in the South China Sea (SCS) in the direction where the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023 was underway, reported the Times of India.

This is the inaugural edition of the joint exercise that was scheduled to start from 2 May and continue till 8 May.

The exercise is being co-hosted by the Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy in which the six warships and nine aircraft from the navies of India, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are taking part.

Early in the morning, around five militia vessels abruptly changed course and started moving towards the direction where the AIME exercises were being carried out, Ray Powell, project lead at Gordian Knot Center project Myoushu (South China Sea) said.

Another three vessels also left the area of Zamora Reef (Subi Reef) and headed towards the exercise location. In total, eight Chinese militia vessels were en route towards the area where the exercise was being held.

According to Roy Powell, the Chinese militia vessels were seen approximately 100 nautical miles from the area where the exercise was going on.

The Singapore Navy which is jointly co-hosting the AIME exercise, on the other hand, said the exercise has successfully concluded the sea-phase.

The Republic of Singapore Navy said in a Facebook post that, "AIME was successfully and safely completed with the conclusion of the sea phase in international waters earlier this morning".

"RSS Supreme will continue to the Philippines and prepare for the upcoming ASEAN multilateral naval exercise".

According to experts, these Chinese militia vessels are known to be equipped with advanced surveillance equipment and are suspected of engaging in espionage activities in the region. 

As such, their deployment near the AIME exercise area is seen as a deliberate attempt by China to intimidate India and the ASEAN nations and gather intelligence on their military capabilities. 

However, the Indian Navy successfully monitored the abrupt change in the course of these vessels and took appropriate mitigating measures.

This exercise were expected to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the participating navies and promote a rules-based order in the South China Sea, which is crucial for ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

“AIME-2023 will provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain,” Indian Navy said.