A Chinese military vessel, equipped for surveillance purposes, has docked at Sri Lanka’s Colombo port, a move that has raised concern in India.
Chinese Military Vessel in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Navy said in a press release that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship Hai Yang 24 Hao arrived in Colombo “on a formal visit” on Thursday.
It added that the 129-metre-long ship is “manned by a crew of 138 and it is commanded by Commander Jin Xin,” and scheduled to depart from the country on Saturday.
According to media reports, Sri Lanka delayed the vessel’s arrival to address concerns raised by India.
“The Chinese authorities sought permission for it earlier, but Sri Lanka delayed permission because of resistance from India,” the Daily Mirror reported.
Chinese PLA Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrives in Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy Statement pic.twitter.com/7hfx7X7cqz
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 10, 2023
Previous Docking
This is not the first time that India has raised concerns about a Chinese military vessel’s docking in Sri Lanka.
Last August, China asked India not to “obstruct” international law after its high-tech research vessel, Yuan Wang 5, reached Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port following a week’s delay, reportedly at India’s insistence.
India had raised objections to the possibility that the vessel might be used for spying purposes in the region. However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that “the marine scientific research activities” of the Yuan Wang-5 ship are “consistent with international law and international customary practice.”
He added that the ship’s purpose did not “affect the security and economic interests of any country” and therefore, its presence should not be “obstructed” by “any third party.”
Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to stabilise its economy and restructure external debt.