Chinese ‘research’ ship arrives in Sri Lanka, a year after similar port call raised concerns with India
- New Delhi is suspicious of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed along shipping routes
- Last year, India expressed concerns over a similar port call by a Chinese research vessel, which New Delhi described as a spy ship
Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, a year after a similar port call by a spacecraft-tracking vessel raised security concerns from neighbouring India.
New Delhi is suspicious of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed halfway along key east-west international shipping routes.
The 90-metre (300-foot) vessel was seen entering the port of Colombo on Wednesday afternoon.
A foreign ministry spokesman said the vessel had been authorised to dock in the city, where a Chinese state-owned company operates a deep-sea container terminal.
“Clearance was given for the vessel to come to Colombo for replenishment,” the spokesman, who asked not to be named, said.
There was no immediate comment from either the Chinese or Indian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka.
