Last year, security concerns prompted Sri Lanka to restrict a spacecraft-tracking Chinese vessel from conducting research within its waters last year due to Indian reservations….reports Asian Lite News
Despite India’s concerns, Sri Lanka has granted permission to a Chinese research vessel, Shi Yan 6, to conduct marine research off the west coast under close supervision. Ministry spokesperson Kapila Fonseka announced the vessel’s two-day research allowance starting Monday, indicating oversight during its activities.
Previously limited to port entry solely for “replenishments,” Sri Lanka responded to India’s apprehensions regarding potential spying activities by the ship. New Delhi remains wary of China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean and its growing influence in strategically positioned Sri Lanka, situated along crucial international shipping lanes.
Last year, security concerns prompted Sri Lanka to restrict a spacecraft-tracking Chinese vessel from conducting research within its waters last year due to Indian reservations.
Spokesperson Fonseka announced that local scientists, along with Sri Lankan naval monitoring, would oversee the Shi Yan 6 during its two-day research stint off the island’s western coast.
Anchored at Colombo harbour, the 90-meter Shi Yan 6 operates under a Chinese state-run company managing a deep-sea terminal. Previously, in 2014, the docking of Chinese submarines at this port drew protests from India.
While Sri Lanka provided limited approval for the Shi Yan 6, there has been no immediate comment from Chinese or Indian diplomatic missions in the country.
Described as a “scientific research vessel” by China’s state broadcaster CGTN, the Shi Yan 6 and its 60-member crew conduct tests in oceanography, geology, and marine ecology.
Another Chinese research vessel, Yuan Wang 5, specialising in spacecraft tracking and labelled a “spy ship” by New Delhi, visited Sri Lanka last year. It docked in Hambantota, a port under a 99-year lease to a Chinese company, the result of Sri Lanka’s inability to service a $1.4 billion loan for the project.
Sri Lanka faced unprecedented economic turmoil, defaulting on its $46 billion external debt, attributed partly to Chinese loans for largely unproductive infrastructure projects between 2005 and 2015.
With China holding 52 percent of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt, Beijing’s approval is critical for any restructuring efforts on outstanding loans by Colombo.