Docking of submarines in SL not unusual: China

3 November 2014 10:09 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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China has said that the docking of its submarines in Sri Lanka was common practice and not unusual, following concerns voiced in Indian strategic circles over two recent visits of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) submarines.

The Defence Ministry in Beijing said on Monday that it "is an international common practice for navy submarine(s) to stop for refuelling and crew refreshment at an overseas port," the international media reports quoted an official as saying.

The official said Chinese submarines docked "during its escort missions in the Gulf of Aden" and off Somalia, where the PLAN is engaged in anti-piracy escort missions.

The reports said that the two visits by Chinese submarines - the first in mid-September coinciding with the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India, and the second on Friday - had worried India. It quoted the Defence Ministry as saying the visits were nothing unusual "despite concerns raised by India".

On Friday, the submarine Changzheng-2 and warship Chang Xing Dao arrived at Colombo. In mid-September, another submarine stopped in Sri Lanka, which was nuclear-powered and did not surface according to reports.

The Sri Lankan Navy also said the visit was not unusual, pointing out that 230 warships had called on Colombo since 2010.

Sources told India Today that Chinese officials conveyed to their Indian counterparts that the submarine visits were mainly refuelling stops for anti-piracy escort missions in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. But some Indian officials and analysts have not entirely accepted that explanation, pointing that submarines, to begin with, had little role to play in such missions.

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Comments - 21

kasi Tuesday, 04 November 2014 01:58 AM

India should invite US to dock its submarine in Chennai.

Waco Wednesday, 05 November 2014 10:53 AM

There is no one who is more sincere that China. They have proved that over the years from the time Ceylon signed Rice / Rubber pack with them in mid 1950s. Every one knows what India has done or doing.Our President must not take things for granted with China. It is extremely important to nurture the relationship / friendship with China. And must not act in any way to creat doubts.Just because of Sri Lanka is maintaining a cordial relationship with China,,Sri Lanka has no any intention of invading India. We will continue to be friendly.

Joe Tuesday, 04 November 2014 05:07 PM

I think this so-called "close-relationship" with China is going to be a disaster for our country. We share nothing in common with them, not language, not culture, or food, etc. Any exporter from Sri Lanka is aware of the severe restrictions to trade the Chinese government imposes, even on us. And yet we import everything from China - most of all their contaminated goods. The Chinese are repulsive and they are not our allies.

Waco Tuesday, 04 November 2014 03:00 PM

Mr. MR , You can not play this double for long. Take both feet on to one side , that means be with China.

p nonis Tuesday, 04 November 2014 01:28 PM

No more docking facilities for nuclear ships in colombococidering sri-lanka a nuclear free zone as yet

Tangobh Tuesday, 04 November 2014 12:31 PM

One alleged to have come just before Japanese PM visit.

franklyspeaking Tuesday, 04 November 2014 11:57 AM

Lanka should cautiously tread its path, China moved closer to Pakistan and has left it in shambes and is not helping it when required. Lanka has grown well and is on the right path, shud check on its proximity with China, chinese are quiet capable of changing colours when required...

sammy Tuesday, 04 November 2014 08:55 AM

GOSL should avoid this docking because anything silly goes on people of SL will be the suffered. We should not involved in they war politics.

LN Tuesday, 04 November 2014 08:20 AM

China says Taiwan belong to them

surfsumi Tuesday, 04 November 2014 04:29 AM

Hey!! Big boys.. Leave the Kids alone..

Mr. Bernard Wijeyasingha Tuesday, 04 November 2014 03:44 AM

The concerns of India have to be put into context to the concerns of her neighbors. India seldom cares what her neighbors think of decisions New Delhi makes in the interest of India. If India wants her concerns taken seriously she must understand nationals concerns are a regional issue and not the sole prerogative of New Delhi.,

Indian Monday, 03 November 2014 04:14 PM

Aneyae Borukiyandeepa!

Alexy Tuesday, 04 November 2014 12:57 AM

Sri Lanka is treading in dangerous waters by allying too close with China. This could well be a turning point. Why invite miseries again?

Waco Tuesday, 04 November 2014 12:05 AM

Sri Lanka need not follow Taiwan. Sri Lanka can entertain Chinese or any other submarines in any of their sea-ports without breaking the international maritime Laws.

SK Monday, 03 November 2014 10:44 PM

A great strategically unwise move by SL, if not blunder. You can change your friends but not neighbours; and it is not wise to infuriate your neighbours. Despite Indian support to SL and taking stand against Tamilian militant (and in the process losing life of its ex PM), SL has turned out to be ungrateful nation.

BabaBoo Monday, 03 November 2014 09:35 PM

Yes, the Chinese are right. At present part of the port is under Chinese control and they have all the right to dock any vessel of their choice. The way same "so called Chinese tourist" behave in public places all shows this phenomena. These can not be seen by the "so called patriots". Jayawewa, that is all the masses can say.

damithw Monday, 03 November 2014 07:27 PM

Our MR playing a a very dangerous Chess Game ( with India and china) . He is walking on a string ( (Athure Yanawa). A slight loose of balance will be a killer or will destroy whole Sri lanka

Waco Monday, 03 November 2014 07:12 PM

China has all the right to come to Sri Lanka as a sincere friend of Sri Lanka, who helped Sri Lanka during most difficult times. Indians can never be pleased as they have ulterior motives.India has no friends due to this very same reason.

Mason Monday, 03 November 2014 06:18 PM

Sri Lanka is so much indebted to China they are in a position to refuse their request or more correctly COMMAND.

Sri Lankan Monday, 03 November 2014 06:12 PM

oyata bayayi nedha?

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 03 November 2014 04:54 PM

China fought a vicious war with India, therefore Indian concerns are obvious. China will not be happy if Indian aircraft carriers and submarines docked in Taiwan, furthermore Taiwan also would not allow that in principle even though have rough relationship with China. This move by GOSL either is extremely foolish policy or has ulterior motives with China.

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Docking of submarines in SL not unusual: China

Comments - 21

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