Cabinet discusses India’s concerns on Chinese “spy ship”

By Easwaran Rutnam

The Cabinet had discusses India’s concerns on the Chinese “spy ship” set to arrive at the Hambantota Port next week.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that Foreign Minister Ali Sabry had informed the Cabinet that the Chinese ship is set to arrive in Sri Lanka for refuelling.

Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka wants to maintain its close relationship with India and China.

He said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the Cabinet that Sri Lanka will look to resolve the issue over the ship with India and China.

India had formally lodged its concerns with Sri Lanka with regards to a Chinese research vessel which is set to arrive at the Hambantota Port next week, Daily Mirror learns.

Sources said that concerns were raised at the “highest levels” over Sri Lanka’s decision to allow ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to dock at the Hambantota Port.

The ship is set to arrive at the Hambantota Port on 11 August and will remain at the port till 17 August.

The ship is expected in Sri Lanka for refueling but India is concerned the presence of the ship will pose a threat to its national security.

Yuan Wang-class vessels are used for tracking and support of satellite and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

India is concerned the vessel can be used to spy on India while docked at the Hambantota Port.

China had last week defended its right to bring its ship to Sri Lanka as the Sri Lankan authorities had given approval.

On Friday the Chinese Government had said it hoped the relevant parties would refrain from interfering with its legitimate maritime activities. (Colombo Gazette)