China’s spy ship reaches Hambantota Port amid India’s concerns

The ship’s port call was earlier deferred due to apparent security concerns raised by India

August 16, 2022

Sri Lankan port officials welcome Chinese spy ship Yuan Wang 5 at Hambantota Port

Amid India’s concern over the Chinese high-tech vessel’s proximity to its southern borders, the Chinese scientific research ship arrived on Tuesday at a southern port in Sri Lanka. The ship – Yuan Wang 5 was welcomed by Sri Lankan port officials and Chinese officials from the shipping company at the Hambantota Port.

The high-tech ship docked at Sri Lanka’s southern port of Hambantota days after Colombo asked Beijing to defer the port call amidst India’s concern over the vessel’s presence in its neighborhood. The ship was originally set to arrive on August 11 but Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry asked to postpone the docking until further consultations took place.

The Sri Lankan ministry said last weekend that the ship was given permission to dock in Hambantota until August 22. It said the two sides had agreed the ship would keep its identification systems on and would not carry out any research activities while in Sri Lanka waters.

Sri Lanka said it was postponing the ship’s arrival because of concerns raised with the ministry but didn’t identify who had raised them. Security concerns of neighboring India likely factor in.

India has provided crucial assistance including food, fuel, medicines, and cooking gas to the Indian Ocean nation as it struggles with an economic meltdown amid a severe foreign currency crisis. At the same time, China’s agreement to restructure its infrastructure loans to Sri Lanka is vital for the country to be able to reach a bailout program with the International Monetary Fund.

India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said earlier that India was aware of a planned visit by the vessel and that it carefully monitors any development that affects its security and economic interests and will take all measures to safeguard them.

PGurus is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with all the latest news and views

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.