HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: A Chinese research vessel bristling with antennas and communication gear docked at Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run port of Hambantota on Tuesday (Aug 16) despite concerns from India and the United States about its alleged spying activities.
The Yuan Wang 5 entered the deep-sea port after securing permission to enter Sri Lankan waters on the condition that it would not engage in research, port officials said.
It was originally due to arrive last week, but Colombo asked Beijing to defer the visit following objections by India, which shares Western concerns about Chinese activities in the region.
But last Saturday, after intense negotiations, Sri Lanka announced a U-turn, saying that permission was restored to dock at the southern port and remain for six days for refuelling and taking in other supplies.
“We are granting the same facilities that we extend to all other countries,” government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana told reporters. “All these countries are important to us.”
Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that the visit of the Yuan Wang 5 was part of “normal exchanges between the two countries”.
“China and Sri Lanka enjoy outstanding friendship,” Qi told reporters at a ceremony to welcome the ship.
Shipping analytics websites described the Yuan Wang 5 as a research and survey vessel, but according to Indian media it is a dual-use spy ship.
There was no customary military band to welcome the vessel, but a small group of traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers performed on a red carpet.
Also dockside were several lawmakers, but there were no senior politicians or other dignitaries in attendance.
“Long live China and Sri Lanka friendship,” read a red-and-white banner on an upper deck of the vessel, which had at least four satellite dish antennas pointed skywards.
Men in white shirts and black trousers stood on deck waving Chinese and Sri Lankan flags as the vessel was pushed alongside the main jetty.