Controversial Chinese 'Spy' Ship Docks in Sri Lanka Despite India's Concerns

Yuan Wang 5, a controversial Chinese ‘research and survey’ vessel, reached the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka.

The Yuan Wang 5.

(Photo Courtesy: brisl.org/Altered by The Quint)

Yuan Wang 5, a controversial Chinese ‘research and survey’ vessel, reached the southern port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka on the morning of Tuesday, 16 August, as per Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror. Officials said that the ship would be docked there till 22 August.

This comes even as India had expressed concerns about the suspected spy ship docking in the neighbouring country. India is reportedly concerned that China might use the port to spy on the former's military installations.

However, in wake of the controversy, China's envoy labelled the ship's visit as "very natural."

China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong was present at the port to welcome the ship. Speaking to the reporters, he said that "this kind of research ship visiting Sri Lanka is very natural. In 2014 a similar ship came here."

“I don't know, you should ask the Indian friends,” he further added, when asked about India's concern.

On Saturday, Sri Lanka granted permission for the "dual-use spy" ship to land at its port.

The ship was originally due to dock at Sri Lanka's Chinese-run Hambantota port on 11 August. However, after India flagged its concerns, Sri Lanka's defence ministry requested the Chinese embassy in Colombo to delay the ship's arrival.

In the aftermath of initial reports of Yuan Wang 5's proposed arrival at the Hambanthota port, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson had said, “The government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India’s security and economic interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them.”

China Not Allowed To Use Port for Military Purposes: Wickremesinghe

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Sunday, 14 August, that China will not be allowed to use the southern port of Hambantota for military purposes, reported PTI.

In an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper at the President's House in Colombo, Wickremesinghe said, “We do not want Hambantota to be used for military purposes.”

His statements to the Japanese newspaper seemed to be aimed at allaying fears in India and the US about China's increasing maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific.

He added, "The present ship did not come under the category of military. [It] came under the category of a research ship. That is how [we] permitted the ship to come to Hambantota."

Wickremesinghe emphasised that there was no problem with loaning the port to China, saying that “this is nothing new.” He pointed out that other countries such as Australia and South Africa have also leased ports.

Security & Cooperation in the Neighborhood Are of Utmost Priority: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry

The island nation's foreign ministry later provided clearance for the ship to visit Hambantota between 16 and 22 August, as per AFP.

The clearance, Sri Lanka said, was given for replenishment purposes during the stipulated period.

It said no rotation of personnel would take place during the call and the Sri Lankan government was requested to provide the necessary assistance by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

The security and cooperation in the neighborhood are of utmost priority in handling the issue of the Chinese vessel Wang Yang 5, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The local telecommunications regulatory authority had issued a No Objection Letter for the use of frequencies and communication equipment subject to non-interference and non-protection basis.

The government took into account the interests of all parties concerned, and in line with the principle of sovereign equality of states, according to the statement.

In light of concerns raised, the ministry also sought further information and material that could assist in consultations on the matter, the statement said.

What Are the Security Concerns for India?

The high-tech Chinese research vessel that, according to The Hindu, would "conduct satellite control and research tracking in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September," was flagged as as security concern by New Delhi.

There are a couple of other factors to consider here. Firstly, India has been actively providing economic aid to Sri Lanka, a country that has witnessed the worst economic crisis since independence in 1948, and a political crisis involving constant changes in leadership. China, on the other hand, has been crediting Sri Lanka with infrastructure, and its loans might help Colombo get an International Monetary Fund bailout.

The Hambantota port is considered strategically important and is de facto under Beijing's control due to its development with Chinese loans. India has in the past, as well, objected to the visits of Chinese vessels, especially military ones, in the Indian Ocean. For instance, in 2014, Sri Lanka permitted a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine to dock in one of its ports.

(With inputs from AFP, PTI, and The Hindu.)