August 7, 2022
2 mins read

Lanka blocks Chinese ‘spy’ ship after pressure from India

According to a bilateral agreement signed in 1987, no Sri Lankan port can be allowed to be used for military purposes by any country in a manner prejudicial to India’s interests…reports Asian Lite News

Amid pressure from its immediate neighbour India, Sri Lanka has urged China to delay the entry of controversial Chinese ship ‘Yuan Wang 5’ into the Chinese controlled port in Southern Hambantota.

In a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka stated, “The Ministry wishes to request that the arrival date of the vessel Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota to be deferred until further consultation is made on this matter.”



Referring to the permission given on July 12 allowing the Chinese ship to enter the Hambantota Port, the Foreign Ministry said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka presents its compliments to the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Colombo and has the honour to refer to the Ministry’s Note No. PR/0640/2022 dated July 12, 2022 conveying the clearances for the visit of the vessel Yuan Wang 5 to enter the Port of Hambantota for replenishment purposes.”

Weeks ahead of the visit of the Chinese ‘spy’ ship, India had expressed its concern with the government of Sri Lanka. India had cautioned that it monitors closely all the developments with regard to her security, in the backdrop of the arrival of Chinese ‘research’ vessel which was planned to reach Hambantota on August 11.

According to a bilateral agreement signed in 1987, no Sri Lankan port can be allowed to be used for military purposes by any country in a manner prejudicial to India’s interests.

In response to India’s concern, Sri Lanka had earlier stated that the visit of the Chinese ship was only for “refuelling and replenishing of other facilities and provisions”.

“The ship or members of its crew will not involve in any internal affairs or business in Sri Lanka. China and India have always helped Sri Lanka domestically and in the international fora as true friends,” Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Bandula Gunawarndena had stated.

“Sri Lanka would not do anything to harm the good understanding and trust existing between the two countries for millennia. Under no circumstances would Sri Lanka act detrimental to the interests of India or China as both nations have been Sri Lanka’s friends-in-need and have stood alongside Sri Lanka at all times,” he had said.

ALSO READ-Lanka mulls crackdown on forex violations

Previous Story

Meta introduces new live-streaming platform for influencers

Next Story

Rocket alert in Jerusalem

Latest from Asia News

Khaleda Zia Returns to Bangladesh

As Khaleda Zia travelled to her Gulshan residence from the airport, hundreds of party workers lined the streets to welcome her return…reports Asian Lite News BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Returns to Dhaka

UNSC Grills Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack

Though Pakistan claimed that the meeting largely served and achieved the objectives of the UNSC’s meeting, reports showed that it flopped miserably…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reportedly

Pakistan’s Terror Link “No Secret”: Bilawal Bhutto

Zardari stated that Pakistan’s intelligence services have since changed course and no longer collaborate with extremist elements..reports Asian Lite News Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has openly acknowledged Pakistan’s

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Operation Ajay: 2nd Flight From Israel Lands in New Delhi

Operation Ajay: 2nd flight carrying 235 Indians arrives from war-torn

Big Gains Ahead for India’s Wedding Season

India’s wedding season from mid-November to mid-December is expected to