Despite India’s concerns a Chinese military ship Yuan Wang 5 docks at Sri Lanka’s port, Hambantota International Port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Columbo, Sri Lanka’s capital, has allowed access of its port to the Beijing ship from August 16 to August 22.
A Chinese military ship Yuan Wang 5 docks at Sri Lanka’s port, Hambantota International Port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka on August 16, 2022, Tuesday. However, the arrival saw delays because of opposition from India which emerged as a ‘great ally’ during crisis-hit Sri Lanka.
Why is India wary of the Ship?
Since China announced docking the ships at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, India became wary. Indian analysts believed the ships was the latest generation of high-tech vessels capable of tracking objects in space.
According to the local media reports, the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 docks at Hambantota International port of Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
The foreign security analyst describes the ships to be capable of various things and hence expresses their concerns. According to analysts, Yuan Wang 5 is a space-tracking ship that monitors satellite, rocket and intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Hence, horrified that China will use the port near the main Asia-Europe shipping route as its military base.
Factors influencing Sri Lanka’s decision
Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka is facing its worst and most serious economic problems and also has political instability which is known worldwide. In these abstruse times, it needs support from its neighbors. China and India are its ultimate neighbors.
Earlier, only China was the one assisting Sri Lanka with loans. However, since the inception of this year, India joined forces to give assistance to Sri Lanka in terms of loans, and a several billion dollar Line of Credit. This made India at par with China.
The ship is a reason for discord between the two of its great benefactors in the ongoing financial and economical crunch- India and China. Since getting benefits from both, Sri Lanka can not dare to offend either of them. Both countries are of utmost significance to Sri Lanka.
The ship was scheduled to be docked on August 11 but got delayed because of permission being denied by the Island.Â
China’s Influence
Sri Lanka’s persisting financial crisis is the ultimate reason to dock the Chinese vessel. The crisis-hit nation was not able to release the pressure amid its necessity. It wants China’s support for the International Monetary Fund bailout package. Also, the island aspires to China for its bilateral financial requirements.
Though the vessel has been given a green signal, it was allowed on the two conditions. First, it will keep its Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka. Second, it won’t conduct any scientific research in Sri Lankan waters.
Columbo, Sri Lanka’s capital, has allowed access of its port to the Beijing vessel from August 16 to August 22.
Currently, China accounts for over 10% of the foreign debt making it one of Sri Lanka’s biggest bilateral creditors.Â
The Arrival of the Controversial Ship
The ship’s arrival witnessed welcome by no high-ranked official or military band- no politician or any senior ranked navy official was present for the welcome. However, a small group of traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers welcomed the vessel.Â
On an upper dock of the vessel, words like “Long live China and Sri Lanka friendship,” were witnessed.
“We are granting the same (port) facilities that we extend to all other countries,” government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana had earlier told reporters over the weekend. Adding on, “All these countries are important to us,” he asserted.
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