China denies US report on research ships 'collecting info for military'

China Friday denied an American think-tank report alleging that its vast fleet of "scientific research" ships is collecting data from the oceans, including in the Indian Ocean, for military purposes, especially for submarine operations, saying its vessels operations are in line with the UN Convention on Law of the Seas. Separately, China's official media accused the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) of releasing the report coinciding with the visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who reportedly plans to permit the Chinese research ships after a recent ban by Sri Lanka following concerns expressed by India.