Sri Lanka allows Chinese research ship to dock as India's security concerns grow
The Hindu
Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 docks in Sri Lanka's Colombo port, raising concerns of China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. Ship given permission to replenish only, no research work to be done. Vessel on 80-day expedition covering 12,000 nautical miles.
A Chinese research ship docked at a Sri Lankan port on October 25, likely adding to neighbouring India's concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
The arrival of the Shi Yan 6 follows last year’s visit by a Chinese naval vessel.
The latest ship was given permission to dock for replenishment at the port of Colombo, the Indian Ocean island's main port, from October 25 until October 28, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kapila Fonseka.
The vessel had been expected to conduct research with Sri Lankan state institutions, but Fonseka said permission was granted only for replenishment and no research work would be carried out.
“The particular permission is very clear,” he said.
According to Chinese television network CGTN, Shi Yan 6 is a geophysical scientific research vessel on an expeditionary voyage in the eastern area of the Indian Ocean.