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China defends military ship’s planned visit to SL as India voices concern

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30 July 2022 09:08 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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China said on Friday it hoped “relevant parties” would refrain from interfering with its legitimate maritime activities, after New Delhi voiced concern over a Chinese military ship’s planned visit to a port in India’s southern neighbour Sri Lanka.

India worries that the Chinese-built and leased port of Hambantota will be used by China as a military base in India’s backyard. The $1.5 billion port is near the main shipping route from Asia to Europe.

Shipping data from Refinitiv Eikon showed Chinese research and survey vessel Yuan Wang 5 was en route to Hambantota and due to arrive on Aug. 11, at a time when Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades. India has provided Sri Lanka with nearly $4 billion in support this year alone.

During a weekly briefing late on Thursday, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said the government was monitoring the planned visit of the Chinese ship, adding that New Delhi would protect its security and economic interests.

India has already lodged a verbal protest with the Sri Lankan government against the ship’s visit, Reuters reported on Thursday.

In response to questions from Reuters, China’s foreign ministry said Beijing had always exercised freedom of the high seas lawfully.

“China hopes that the relevant parties will view and report on China’s marine scientific research activities correctly and refrain from interfering with normal and legitimate maritime activities,” the ministry said in a statement.

Relations between India and China have been strained since armed clashes on their border two years ago killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers and led to a massive build-up of troops on both sides.

Foreign security analysts describe the Yuan Wang 5 as one of China’s latest generation space-tracking ships, used to monitor satellite, rocket and intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

The Pentagon’s annual report on China’s military modernisation says the Yuan Wang ships are operated by the Strategic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

A Sri Lankan consulting firm, the Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka, said on its website that the Yuan Wang 5 would be in Hambantota for a week and “conduct space tracking, satellite control and research tracking in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September”.

Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities at its main southern port to a Chinese company in 2017 on a 99-year lease after struggling to repay its debt.

China is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest lenders and has also funded airports, roads and railways, unnerving India, which is now trying to claw back lost ground.

Sri Lanka angered India in 2014 when it allowed a Chinese submarine and a warship to dock in Colombo.(Reuters)


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  Comments - 20

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  • Kumara Saturday, 30 July 2022 04:08 PM

    Sri Lanka can't do much as Rajapakses have sold Hampanthota Port to Chinese. India has the right to protect its surrounding oceans at any cost

    Lion Saturday, 30 July 2022 05:36 PM

    Hope India can learn from this. The rogue armed forces in Sri Lanka are obsessed with China.

    Eggy Rowlands Saturday, 30 July 2022 05:40 PM

    India should be very careful that it does not blindly follow the aggressive stance of the West in dealing with China. Jumping at shadows is not the way that the East does business.

    Dr Nadaraja , Australia Saturday, 30 July 2022 06:27 PM

    It is insulting for Sri Lanka to be considered by India as “existing in India’s backyard”. I am not a supporter of the Communist China but Indian arrogant attitude towards Sri Lanka is making me to wholeheartedly support Chinese sending military ships to visit Sri Lankan ports.

    Kale Witheria Saturday, 30 July 2022 06:45 PM

    "China’s foreign ministry said Beijing had always exercised freedom of the high seas lawfully." Except for the South China Sea that it claims as it's own...not recognised by any other state, in contravention of the UNCLOS that China has signed up to, and where China lost the case the Phillipines brought against it. Still, 'details, details'.

    Martin Milton Saturday, 30 July 2022 08:00 PM

    India should not fear the visit by this Chinese Warship entering Sri Lankan waters quite legitimately. Fear is what causes wrong action. MM

    Anne Ranatunga Saturday, 30 July 2022 08:42 PM

    India, if you have the balls why don’t you send your naval ships and block the Chinese coming to Sri Lankan port. You know very well, the Chinese Navy would make mince pie of your Navy.

    Jaffna Logic Saturday, 30 July 2022 08:54 PM

    Sri Lankan politicians are not smart enough to realise that “ Sri Lanka has been economically and politically weakened by India” for it to gradually take over the country. But China is quick to realise this situation, that is why it is sending an advanced maritime reconnaissance naval ship to Sri Lanka in the pretext of maritime research.

    TONI Saturday, 30 July 2022 09:44 PM

    DONT CHINA HAVE ANY OTHER PLACES TO TAKE THIS SHIP. WHY ONLY TO SRI LANKA?

    Jono Saturday, 30 July 2022 09:57 PM

    Another noose around the neck.

    Lion Saturday, 30 July 2022 10:22 PM

    Most likely the rogue state intelligence has been planning this. They believe it is a major achievement to play one power against another.

    kondaya77 Saturday, 30 July 2022 11:52 PM

    Any port in a storm?

    Mads Jansen Raunsbæk Sunday, 31 July 2022 12:23 AM

    Of course a Chinese Military ship can not port at Sri Lankan ports or harbors??!What??!Sri Lankan government has been leasing lands out,taken big loans(lots in politicians pockets),China basically own Sri Lanka now.It’s better all Singhalese prepare to learn Chinese. N now the government asked for MORE help from China, n allowing a Military ship to port?! Pleaseeee stop now. Concerned Foreigner living in Sri Lanka

    Jude Sunday, 31 July 2022 01:55 AM

    Chicken are coming home to roost !! Yeah!!

    Punchi Sunday, 31 July 2022 05:13 AM

    It is unlikely that any of the Chinese sailers will jump ship to live illegally in our paradise like our 9 brave patriotic sailors did in the US where the went to collect a gifted ship. Situation is so bad living as a Kallathoni in US is better than living as a chosen favoured privileged citizen in our paradise

    Thank you China Sunday, 31 July 2022 05:19 AM

    The Chinese intelligence must have got wind of the fact the Indians planing moving into Hambantota while the country is in turmoil. So China is sending the ship to fend off any such Indian move in Hambantota.

    European Sunday, 31 July 2022 08:53 AM

    My God, you all are so gullible and ignorant. I can not believe these comments. I hope they don't represent the view and knowledge of the majority.

    DOT Sunday, 31 July 2022 12:50 PM

    Please bring Oil!

    vithura Sunday, 31 July 2022 03:16 PM

    Sri Lanka should just abrogate the agreement with the rogue state China vis a vis Hambantota port and take control of it, period.

    M Mahaliyana Tuesday, 02 August 2022 08:55 AM

    Who would be interested in developing Sri Lanka other than as a tourist destination that then needs to import everything to feed satisfy the needs of the visitors? Only ones that have the drive, the funds, motive, and a track record. It's up to citizens to demand and foster government transparency and accountability. Those who engage in scaremongering or beat the drums of geopolitics are wasting their time.


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