New Delhi  - The unmistakable presence of Chinese vessels, including naval warships, in the Indian Ocean has caught the attention of observers. The People's Liberation Army (Navy)'s Task Group-106, initially spotted near Surabaya, Indonesia on July 27, has ventured deep into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Within this task group, significant warships stand out. One of note is the Hohhot, a modern destroyer commissioned just four years ago, boasting a substantial size of approximately 7,500 tons.

Accompanying the Hohhot is a larger vessel, the Jinggang Shan—an amphibious transport ship weighing around 25,000 tons with the capability to accommodate 800 soldiers, along with 50-60 armored vehicles including light tanks and helicopters. Despite being around a dozen years old, the Jinggang Shan remains relatively modern. While the stated purpose of the Chinese Navy's presence in the Indian Ocean is primarily focused on anti-piracy efforts in the Horn of Africa, this deployment offers a chance to test the ships' endurance during extended voyages and provides valuable sea experience for both officers and crew.

Another vessel, the Yuan Wang 6, a satellite tracking ship, has been noted in the Indian Ocean south of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recently observed off Jakarta, Indonesia, it entered the IOR to oversee the launch of a Chinese satellite. While often labeled as "spy ships," these vessels are typically tasked with collecting comprehensive data about the Indian Ocean, including parameters like depths and salinity. These details could prove valuable for potential submarine operations in the future. However, the Yuan Wang 6's primary purpose revolves around telemetry-related functions.

Additionally, approximately 70 Chinese fishing vessels can be found within the IOR. As anticipated, the presence of all Chinese ships, especially warships, is under close surveillance. While Chinese ships can access Karachi and other ports as needed, prior instances have indicated a monitored presence of PLA submarines as well.