The Yuan Wang 5, which China claims to be a research vessel, has been dubbed a “spy ship” by security analysts. The Pentagon says the Yuan Wang ships are operated by the Strategic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army.
There were fears in New Delhi that the ship’s tracking systems were attempting to spy on Indian defense installations en route to the Sri Lankan port. The US had also raised concerns about the ship’s surveillance capabilities.
After consultations with India, the United States and China, port officials said the ship was allowed to dock on the condition that it would not conduct any research in Sri Lankan waters.
Sri Lanka said that there would be no rotation of personnel during the call and the Sri Lankan government was requested by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to provide necessary assistance.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that security and cooperation in the neighborhood is a top priority to deal with the issue of the Chinese vessel Wang Yang 5.
The Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship was earlier scheduled to arrive in August and remain in port until 17 August for “replenishment”.
However, Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry had last week requested the Chinese embassy here to postpone the ship’s voyage following security concerns raised by India.
The Chinese embassy in Colombo then demanded immediate talks with the Sri Lankan authorities.
On 12 August, the Chinese embassy applied for approval for new dates – August 16 to 22 – “for ship replenishment purposes”.
Colombo finally cleared the docking of the ship on Saturday.
“After considering all material,” the Chinese embassy was “approved for the postponed arrival of the ship from 16-22 August,” a Lankan government statement said.
It is learned that the docking of the ship was previously approved by former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the presidential palace before being attacked by anti-government protesters.
India reacted sharply to China expressing concern about the docking of the ship at Hambantota port.
India rejected China’s “objection” and said it would take a decision based on its own security concerns.
Sri Lanka formally handed over business activities at the Hambantota port in 2017 to a Chinese company for 99 years for $1.12 billion after it struggled to repay its debt.
China is Sri Lanka’s main creditor with investments in infrastructure. Debt restructuring of Chinese debt will be critical to the island’s success in its ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
India, on the other hand, has been Sri Lanka’s lifeline in the current economic crisis. It has been at the forefront of providing nearly $4 billion in funding to Sri Lanka during the year as the island nation grapples.
India gives maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, India on Monday gifted Sri Lanka a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to strengthen its maritime security. The Indian Embassy said that Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force personnel who were trained in India will operate the aircraft with operational support from Indian personnel. The Dornier aircraft is in line with the Indian Navy, which has already provided extensive training to a Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force team to operate a maritime surveillance aircraft.
(with inputs from agencies)