The docking was previously postponed, with India and the US reportedly considering it a spy vessel
A Chinese naval research ship docked in a Beijing-built port in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, a week after its arrival was postponed, allegedly due to concerns raised by the US and India. While China describes the ship as conducting “marine scientific research,” Indian sources have called it a “dual-use spy vessel.”
The Yuan Wang 5 moored in the port of Hambantota and was welcomed by Sri Lankan and Chinese officials, the AP reported. Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the port of Hambantota was built by Chinese contractors and leased to Beijing in 2017 when Sri Lanka could not repay its construction costs.
The arrival of the ship was initially scheduled for last week but was pushed back at Sri Lanka’s request. The country’s foreign ministry cited “certain concerns” in requesting the delay.
Indian Minister of External Affairs…
Connect with us on our socials: