HomeWorldSri Lanka allows Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 to dock at Hambantota...

Sri Lanka allows Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 to dock at Hambantota port

Sri Lanka on Saturday granted permission to Chinese vessel Yuan Wang-5, widely believed to be a spy ship, to dock at its Hambantota port, local media reported.

@the_news_21

According to a report by Times Online, the Sri Lankan government gave approval to the Yuan Wang-5 ship to dock at the port on Friday.

“Yuan Wang 5 will now berth at the Hambantota International Port on August 16, five days later than scheduled. It was originally due to arrive on August 11. This was delayed after India raised strong concerns citing national security,” the report said.

Earlier this week, Sri Lanka confirmed that it has communicated to China to defer the visit of the Chinese vessel Yuang Wang 5 to Hambantota port.

The Chinese vessel was scheduled to dock at Chinese-leased Hambantota port on August 11 for refuelling and leave on August 17.

“The Ministry has communicated to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo to defer the visit of the said vessel to the Hambantota port,” the foreign ministry had said in the statement.

The Foreign Ministry had stated it wishes to reaffirm the enduring friendship and excellent relations between Sri Lanka and China which remain on a solid foundation, as reiterated most recently by the two Foreign Ministers Ali Sabry and Wang Yi at a bilateral meeting in Phnom Penh on August 4.

India had expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at Hambantota as it was shown as a research vessel while the spy ship can map the ocean bed which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy.

Designated as a research and survey vessel, Yuan Wang 5 was built in 2007 and has a carrying capacity of 11,000 tonnes.

During this significant visit to the key Sri Lankan port, it could conduct satellite research in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean region, prompting security concerns for India.

Hambantota port, located around 250 kms from Colombo was built with high-interest Chinese loans. The Sri Lankan government struggled to repay the debt they had taken from China following which the port was handed over to the Chinese on a 99-year lease.

Subscribe to TheNews21

Stay Ahead with Independent Journalism

Investigations, political analysis and major national and global stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Stay Ahead with Independent Journalism

Investigations, political analysis and major national and global stories delivered directly to your inbox.

45 COMMENTS

  1. Upon the millions delightful big on fanduel casino new jersey – the #1 real pelf casino app in America.
    Pick up your $1000 PLAY IT AGAIN honorarium and deny b decrease every twirl, хэнд and roll into bona fide cash rewards.
    Firm payouts, whopping jackpots, and continuous action – download FanDuel Casino again and start playing like a pro today!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

spot_img

Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.

Must Read

spot_img