China Seeks for Immediate Meeting, As Sri Lanka Relents to India’s Pressure
Source- China Seeks Urgent Meeting After Sri Lanka Relents To India Pressure: Report (ndtv.com)
China seeks an urgent meeting with the senior Sri Lankan authorities after Sri Lanka postponed the planned docking of a high-tech Chinese research vessel at the strategic port of Hambantota. India has raised its concern over the situation of the docking.
The Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel, ‘Yuan Wang 5’ was planned to be docked at the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka from 11th August to 17th August, though Sri Lanka faced huge political turmoil and mass protest due to the severe economic crash down in the territory.
It has been known, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka has said to the Chinese embassy in Colombo on 5th August, that they request for a postponement in the arrival of the Chinese research vessel, Yuan Wang 5 5, until any further consultations are made on the matter.
According to some reporters the Chinese vessel has been planned to dock at Sri Lanka so that it would spy on the activities of the country and that it had lodged complaint with Sri Lanka.
Sources said that after knowing about the note of delay in the docking of the Chinese research vessel, the Chinese embassy in Colombo has called an urgent meeting with the senior Sri Lankan authorities to talk on the issue. Some news portals have also reported that the Sri Lanka’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe held a closed-door meeting with the Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong after Colombo decided about the postponement of the planned docking. Media was not allowed to intervein or attend the meeting.
On 12th July, the decision was taken by the Sri Lankan government to allow the docking of the Chinese research vessel at the Hambantota port. The vessel was expected to dock at the port for refueling and replenishment. It would conduct satellite control and research track in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean throughout August and September.
The southern deep-sea port of Hambantota is located in the hometown of the Rajapaksa family. It is the most strategic port as considered for its location. The port was developed largely with Chinese loans. According to media reports, India informed Sri Lanka that the docking of a Chinese research vessel by the port of Hambantota could pose a threat to the national security of the country. They also received a high pretest from India as the vessel has a high technology to track satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi to the answer about the docking of the vessel, “We are aware of the reports of a proposed visit by this vessel to Hambantota in August.” He said last month that the government carefully keeps a close look into India’s security and economic interests and will take any necessary measures to safeguard the country.
New Delhi is much concerned about the tracking capability of the Chinese vessel, which may attempt to look into India’s installation while its way to the Sri Lankan port. India has taken a view of disapproval of Chinese military vessel in the Indian Ocean and has protested such visits in the past.
The ties between India and Sri Lanka became weaker after Sri Lanka permitted a Chinese nuclear-powered-submarine to dock in 2014.
China has been the main creditor for Sri Lanka’s investment in the infrastructure construction. The debt rearranging of Sri Lanka of the Chinese loans would act as a key for successful ongoing with the International Monetary Fund for a retreat. On the other hand, India has been the lifeline for Sri Lanka during its economic crisis. India has assisted the island nation, Sri Lanka, with approximately USD 4 billion as the nation is facing the worst economic breakdown since 1948.
The new Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena said last week that they are looking forward for a friendly approach to settle the issue of docking of the Chinese vessel.
