HAMBANTOTA: Despite worries from India and the US about its suspected eavesdropping activities, a Chinese research vessel brimming with antennae and communication equipment moored at Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run port of Hambantota on Tuesday.
According to port officials, the Yuan Wang 5 reached the deep-sea port after receiving authorization to enter Sri Lankan waters on the condition that it would not conduct any research.
After India opposed because it shared Western worries about Chinese activity in the region, Colombo asked Beijing to delay the visit. Initial plans called for the visit to arrive last week.
However, on Saturday, Sri Lanka declared a U-turn, stating permission is granted to dock at the southern port and stay for six days to refuel and bring in additional supplies. This came after lengthy discussions.Government spokeswoman Bandula Gunawardana told reporters, “We are providing the same facilities that we provide to all other countries.” “All of these nations are significant to us.”
Yuan Wang 5’s visit was described by the Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, as a part of “regular exchanges between the two countries.”
Qi told reporters during a ceremony to welcoming the ship, “China and Sri Lanka share exceptional friendship.
The Yuan Wang 5 was listed as a research and survey vessel on shipping analytics websites, but Indian media reports that it is actually a dual-purpose surveillance ship.
Instead of the usual military band, a small group of Kandyan dancers and drummers put up a show on a red carpet to greet the ship.
