Though China claims the ship as a research and survey vessel, but reports from some sections suggest it is a dual-use spy ship, employed for space and satellite tracking and with specific usage in intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
New Delhi: Amid intense pressure by India, Sri Lanka has reportedly asked China to make indefinite delay in sending ship in the coastal area of the island nation. According to the reports, Chinese ship Yuan Wang 5 is on its way from from the Chinese port of Jiangyin to the Chinese-run Sri Lankan port of Hambantota.
Though China claims the ship as a research and survey vessel, but reports from some sections suggest it is a dual-use spy ship, employed for space and satellite tracking and with specific usage in intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
As per the reports, India is worried that the Chinese vessel would be used to spy activities of its country. New Delhi has lodged a formal complaint in this regard with Colombo. Since China controls Hambantota port of Sri Lanka, New Delhi suspects the dragon’s growing influence in its southern neighbour.
Since, Chine vessel is enroute to Hambantota port, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reportedly monitoring the situation from close.
Sri Lankan authority, in a written request, has asked Chinese authority in Colombo not to send its vessel. The authority has requested to delay the move for indefinite period. “The ministry wishes to request that the arrival date of the vessel Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota to be deferred until further consultations are made on this matter,” the request says. Newly elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also assured political party leaders that the controversial visit of Chines vessel will not be scheduled as per its planned movement. Sri Lankan authority had earlier said that the ship is coming to its port to refuel and replenish supplies and would not undertake any work in Sri Lankan waters.
