Maldives has allowed the Chinese ship Xiang Yang Hong 3 to dock in Male for a port call, a month after informing India that it would not renew its contract for hydrographic surveys. The move comes amid strained relations between India and Maldives, with the latter setting a deadline for 88 Indian military personnel to return by March 15. The recent death of a teenager due to delays in granting clearance for evacuation by Indian air services has further heightened tensions. The Chinese ship’s port call has raised concerns about growing Chinese influence in the region.