August 13, 2022
1 min read

Lanka allows Chinese ship to dock at Hambantota despite India’s concerns

The Foreign Ministry announced that it has given permission for the Chinese vessel to be docked at the port on August 16, reports Asian Lite News

Amidst controversy and a diplomatic tussle between India and China, Sri Lanka on Saturday announced that it has allowed controversial Chinese vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to dock at the island’s southern-most port, the Chinese-run Hambantota.

The Foreign Ministry announced that it has given permission for the vessel to be docked at the port on August 16.

Described as a research and survey vessel, but alleged to be a spy ship, the Chinese vessel was originally planned to reach Hambantota on August 11 but its arrival was deferred following Sri Lanka’s requested to postpone the arrival indefinitely.

When Sri Lanka requested a postponement of the arrival, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin protested and charged halting of the vessel from entering the Hambantota Port was “completely unjustified” and accused India, claiming “certain countries” put pressure on Sri Lanka, claiming “security concerns”.

On July 12, diplomatic clearance for the Chinese vessel to make a call at the Hambantota Port from August 11-17, for replenishment purposes, was conveyed by the Foreign Ministry to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

But following concerns by India and other political parties and experts, the Ministry communicated to the Chinese mission to defer the ship visit.

On Friday, India rejected claims that it has put pressure on Sri Lanka to not allow ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to visit Hambantota port.

“We reject categorically the ‘insinuation’ and such statement about India. Sri Lanka is a sovereign country and makes its own independent decisions,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said.

ALSO READ: India can regain influence in S.Asia through Sri Lanka

Previous Story

Pakistan to attend counter-terror drills in India

Next Story

UN Human rights chief due in Bangladesh

Latest from -Top News

Top Indian Officials Head to Washington

The visit, likely next week, follows US President Trump’s claims that his administration helped broker the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News Top sources revealed on Sunday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

India, Canada Discuss Enhancing Diplomatic Relations

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his first phone call with Canadian counterpart Anita Anand,

Ramaphosa gains from US showdown

South African President’s conduct with Trump reminded South Africans of his diplomatic pedigree, and of his importance to the country’s rules-based order South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation went to
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Beijing, Moscow discuss Donetsk, Luhansk recognition

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions

iVOOMi Energy bets big on EV with new facility

The investment is expected to increase the facility’s production capability