In response to heightened security concerns raised by neighboring India after the visit of a Chinese spacecraft-tracking vessel last year, Sri Lanka is said to be currently in the process of evaluating a request from China to permit the docking of a research ship within its borders. This unfolding development has caught the attention of international observers, as it showcases the delicate diplomatic dynamics in the region. A spokesperson from the foreign ministry confirmed these deliberations, shedding light on the ongoing discussions between the two countries.

Colombo announced that China has formally sought permission for a research vessel to dock in Sri Lanka. This move comes in the wake of a previous incident involving a spacecraft-tracking vessel from China that visited last year and triggered security apprehensions from neighboring India.

“The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it,” Priyanga Wickremasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, told PTI. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said.

The Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6' is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October.

The vessel, characterized as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, boasts dimensions of 90.6 meters in overall length and 17 meters in width, with a current draft reported at 5.3 meters.

Amid growing anticipation, local media has been abuzz with speculations about Sri Lanka's foreign office grappling with a delicate situation arising from the request, largely due to potential concerns voiced by India.

The research endeavor is expected to be a collaborative effort between the vessel and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

China's dispatch of vessels to Sri Lanka is a routine occurrence. Notably, just a fortnight ago, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO embarked on a two-day visit to the country. The arrival of the 129-meter-long vessel encountered delays attributed to India's raised concerns.

In August of the previous year, a similar instance involving the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang 5' stirred strong reactions from India as it entered the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota. Apprehensions in New Delhi centered on potential surveillance of Indian defense installations during the ship's passage to the Sri Lankan port.

Despite the initial concerns, Sri Lanka eventually granted permission for the vessel to dock at the strategically important southern port of Hambantota, which is being constructed by a Chinese company.

Sri Lanka, facing financial constraints, regards both India and China as pivotal partners in its efforts to manage external debt. China remains a significant creditor to Sri Lanka, with the nation owing USD 7.1 billion to various bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China.

Critical negotiations concerning Sri Lanka's external and domestic debt restructuring are required to conclude by September, coinciding with the International Monetary Fund's assessment of the nation's USD 2.9 billion bailout package, extended in March of the present year.

The island nation experienced an unparalleled financial crisis in 2022, marking the most severe economic turmoil since its independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The crisis was attributed to a severe shortage of foreign exchange reserves.

Image source: The Economic Times