A Chinese research vessel has arrived at the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota, which is controlled by China. India and the United States are afraid of espionage. Yuan Wang 5 was allowed to dock after consultation, on the condition that he does not conduct research in Sri Lankan waters.
The research ship was supposed to arrive last week, but Colombo has asked Beijing to delay its arrival due to protests from India. This country is concerned about China’s activities in the region. On Saturday, after intense negotiations, Colombo announced that the ship had been allowed to dock at Hambantota and could stay there for six days.
Shipping websites describe the Yuan Wang 5 as a search and observation ship, but according to India’s CNN-News18, it is a spy ship. The Chinese ship was allowed to enter the port on the condition that it maintains its automatic identification system and does not engage in scientific activities.
New Delhi is concerned about the increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka. The day before the arrival of the Chinese ship, India offered Sri Lanka a Dornier 228 aircraft to increase surveillance on the island.
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