While we do not know the real purpose of the Yuan Wang 5’s scheduled visit to the Hambantota port next week, the above review gives an overview of the capabilities of these research and survey ships, which have both civilian and military objectives. Their survey data benefits PLAN’s submarine operations. The underwater drones deployed by these ships could be part of the “Underwater Monitoring Network” that was already deployed in South China Sea and now being laid in the Indian Ocean region. Such tools would give an edge to PLAN over enemy naval operations. Further, they could also play a role in monitoring submarine communication networks. This all fits into China’s larger strategy to be global maritime power by the year 2030, on par with the US Navy’s capabilities. Read more