India has rejected China’s insinuation over a Chinese research vessel’s visit to Sri Lanka.
The Indian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said, “India rejects insinuation by China over its vessel not being able to dock at Hambantota”.
He made the statement to the media when commenting on the Chinese ship Yuan Wang 5’s planned visit to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka on Monday confirmed that it has communicated to China to defer the visit of the Chinese vessel Yuang Wang 5 to Hambantota port.
In a statement, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to dock at the Chinese-leased Hambantota port on August 11 for refueling and leave on August 17.
“The Ministry has communicated to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo to defer the visit of the said vessel to the Hambantota port,” it read.
The request comes after India had expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at Hambantota.
India had raised concerns as the vessel was shown as a spy ship that can map the ocean bed which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. (NewsWire)
India rejects "insinuation" by China over Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 not able to dock at Hambantota. pic.twitter.com/UyFw4nrOQi
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 12, 2022