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Last Updated : 2023-10-01 14:16:00
Sun, 01 Oct 2023 Today's Paper
19 September 2023 07:46 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
After the Chinese research vessel Shi Yang 6 which is scheduled to reach Sri Lanka on October 26, another similar ship ‘Xiang Yang Hong 03’ is scheduled to berth in a Sri Lankan port later in January, next year triggering geopolitical concerns that fix Sri Lanka’s foreign policy handlers in a tricky situation to balance out its interests with other players in the region, particularly India.
Despite India’s resistance, Sri Lanka permitted Shi Yang 6 to arrive in Sri Lankan waters in October to carry out research in the Indian Ocean in partnership with National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
An informed source said a team of officials from the NARA would board Shi Yang 6 to observe research activities, an act widely seen by Sri Lankan interlocutors as an attempt by the government to signal to the countries which are at loggerheads with China that Sri Lanka is privy to what is transpiring in the whole process and to make sure that it will pose no security threat to any third country.
Sri Lanka, as a country, seeks equal ties with all the key countries - the United States, Japan, India and China. It says it advocates a neutral foreign policy. However, India, Japan and the United States are skeptical about Chinese maritime activities in the Sri Lankan territorial waters since they fear that it is part of a major effort by China to systematically map the seabed across the vast swath of the Indian Ocean. They fear hydrographic data, collected in the process, can be used for security related purposes later.
Nevertheless, Sri Lanka insists that it is a neutral venue open to all the countries, and won’t allow its territory, be it sea, airspace or land, to be used against the security interests of another country, particularly India.
Still, India feels uncertain. A top source familiar with Indian affairs said Sri Lanka’s neutral position is acceptable but it is doubtful for India whether Sri Lanka, being economically weak, has the strength to maintain such an approach. The source cited India itself as an example. India purchases fuel from Russia despite objection by the United States. India can act in this way because it is powerful enough to resist any pressure in the preservation of its interests. Does Sri Lanka have?
Daily Mirror learns that China is adamant that it sends its research vessels. It is not ready to budge down from its stand merely due to the pressure from a third country. (Kelum Bandara)
Jaffna Boys Tuesday, 19 September 2023 08:15 AM
Even though Sri Lanka is a small country we have to feel like a big country and act for our interests ignoring any pressure or threats emanating from India. We have to ask , what can India do if we grant permission for Chinese ships to dock in our ports ? Send their barbaric Army for the second time ! Jaffna boys will join with the South and would fight to the end , and the Chinese would not be just idle spectators either. While I am writing this comment , I am looking at the BBC news which says the following “ Today the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a statement in the Canadian parliament , accusing the Indian government for murdering a prominent Sikh Canadian citizen in the Canadian Soil and he had demanded information from the Indian government in the murder investigation which is being carried out by both the Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Intelligence Service”. At last the Western countries are beginning to understand the criminal nature of India.
Consequence of Debt Trap Tuesday, 19 September 2023 08:29 AM
China wants to assert its authority over Sri Lanka.
Manik Tuesday, 19 September 2023 09:16 AM
Sri Lanka will become a Chinese land under a long term Chinese plan- they are working on the next 50-100 years strategic plan
Punchi Tuesday, 19 September 2023 09:25 AM
It is not research, it is projecting presence, power and might and to inform us and our neighbors who is in charge.
Jaffnaman Tuesday, 19 September 2023 09:27 AM
At the global level threats to Sri Lanka comes from India,America and some European countries.China has been our sincere friendly nation.
Sabri Tuesday, 19 September 2023 09:49 AM
What is the Research China is supposed to be doing in the door- step of another country (particularly Sri Lanka) over and over again ? This is baffling ! Could this be to test whether Sri Lanka is going to refuse permission which could make China decide on their future course of action vis-a-vis the Sri Lanka's Loan Outstandings!
Puswadilla Tuesday, 19 September 2023 10:39 AM
Months back Chinamen were doing research with their security. Remind of it on news with eldest of the former crown Royal family was also there.
Disguisted Tuesday, 19 September 2023 12:50 PM
Looking for minerals or oil on the sea bed so they can twist Sri Lanka's arm to grant them mineral rights instead of debt payment and we would go along tamely as it will immensely benefit a few.
Wiraj Tuesday, 19 September 2023 02:19 PM
Chinese ambassador goes to Mannar and asks how far is India from there (as if he does not know). Then a surveillance ship arrives, now research vessels are lined up (mind you no food ships yet). It's the Chinese policy of being a constant annoyer cum irritant to India
Gamini Tuesday, 19 September 2023 04:31 PM
Research on SL waters should only be conducted by SL-NARA. Why should a foreign country conduct research in our waters without being asked to
Fred Tuesday, 19 September 2023 06:09 PM
Hasn't grown up yet as a nation even after 75 years that's what it is Had some good people on the way and a good foreign service. RW is trying hard to make an impression now but he has many masters to please
ANNECUNT Wednesday, 20 September 2023 02:25 PM
China knows that one day sri-lanka is a chinese coloney
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