Article Author:
Associated Press
Krishan Francis
Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka has asked China to postpone the port visit of its scientific research vessel. neighboring India.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday night that the Chinese ship Yuan Wang 5 arrived at South Hambantota port on Thursday and is expected to stay until 17 August for replenishment purposes.
The ministry did not give specific reasons, but the government has asked the Chinese embassy in Colombo to delay the arrival of the ship. India's security concerns over the presence of the vessel may be the reason. It said it would closely monitor any developments affecting India's security and economic interests and would take all steps to protect them.
vying to expand their power, the country lies along one of the busiest shipping lanes and India sees it as part of its strategic backyard.
has provided critical aid such as food, fuel, medicine, and cooking gas to Sri Lanka, which has suffered economic collapse amid a severe foreign exchange crisis.At the same time, China's agreement to restructure infrastructure loans to Sri Lanka
China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters on Monday that "a specific "There is absolutely no justification for other countries to put pressure on Sri Lanka by citing so-called 'security concerns'."
“At a time when Sri Lanka is grappling with economic and political difficulties, significantly interfering with Sri Lanka's normal exchanges and cooperation with other countries is an exploitation of its vulnerability and a moral and moral impediment. It is irresponsible to the public and goes against the basic norms that govern international relations," he said.
"We urge relevant parties to view China's marine scientific research activities from a rational perspective and stop obstructing normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka." he said.
China aided Sri Lanka during its civil war with Tamil rebels and defended Sri Lanka against accusations of serious human rights violations. has lent Sri Lanka billions of dollars, some of which has been criticized for having little practical use. Among them is Hambantota Port, which Sri Lanka leased to China in 2017 after it failed to repay its loans.
