A Chinese research ship docked at a Sri Lankan port on Wednesday — a move that is likely to concern India with regards to China’s growing influence in its backyard.
Chinese Research Vessel in India’s Backyard
The ship, Shi Yan 6, was given permission to dock at the port of Colombo for replenishment from Wednesday until 28 October, Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kapila Fonseka said.
Stationed at the country’s main port, the vessel was originally supposed to conduct research with Sri Lankan state institutions. Crewed by 60 people, the Shi Yan 6 carries out oceanography, marine geology, and marine ecology tests.
However, Fonseka said that Colombo granted it permission only for replenishment and that no research work would be carried out. “The particular permission is very clear,” he said.
According to the Chinese television network CGTN, the vessel is a geophysical scientific research vessel on an expeditionary voyage in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean, organised by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is scheduled to operate for 80 days, covering a range of more than 22,200 kilometres, CGTN added.
A Chinese research ship docked at a #SriLankan port on October 25, likely adding to neighbouring #India's concerns about #China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.https://t.co/lIwGviUUtG
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) October 26, 2023
Past Dockings and Indian Concerns
The arrival of the Shi Yan 6 follows other past dockings by Chinese vessels in Sri Lanka.
In August, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship Hai Yang 24 Hao arrived in Colombo “on a formal visit.” The vessel was equipped for surveillance purposes.
Back then, Sri Lanka delayed the vessel’s arrival to address concerns raised by India.
Similarly, last August, China asked India not to “obstruct” international law after its high-tech research vessel, Yuan Wang 5, known for its spacecraft tracking, 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 were “consistent with international law and international customary practice.”
Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to stabilise its economy and restructure external debt.