China has deployed spy vessels, disguised as ocean research vessels, near Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and various regions in the Indian Ocean since 2019. The vessels aim to monitor India's assets and conduct research on minerals in the sea-bed. In 2021, the Chinese spy vessel Hai Yang Shi You 760 was located in the Bay of Bengal near the coast of Myanmar. The presence of such vessels raises concerns about Beijing's strategic interests and surveillance activities in the Indian Ocean Region.