By Levina
China is set to resume its maritime research activities in the Indian Ocean, a senior Beijing official announced, as the temporary one-year ban imposed by Sri Lanka due to strong Indian protests is scheduled to end in January 2025. This development coincides with India’s planned missile test in early January 2025, underscoring heightened regional tensions.
The previous Sri Lankan administration implemented a one-year prohibition on all foreign research vessels conducting studies in its waters, a move prompted by security concerns raised by India over Chinese vessels. This ban, introduced in January 2024, is now reaching its conclusion.
Qin Boyong, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), disclosed China’s plans during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on December 18. The discussions also addressed infrastructure development and economic collaboration, including the completion of the Central Expressway and expansion of projects in the Colombo Port City and Hambantota District.
Ms. Qin Boyong stated that there are plans to restart maritime research activities, which were temporarily halted for various reasons, along with initiating projects in Sri lanka that China is invested in. This clearly hints that Chinese officials temporarily halted their projects in Sri Lanka to arm twist the latter into accepting CCP’s conditions.
Qin announced preparations to host President Dissanayake during his future visit to China. She also added “Chinese companies intend to establish themselves in the Hambantota investment zone to enhance Sri Lanka’s global connectivity.”
China’s belligenrence knonws no bounds.
In August 2022, the Chinese navy vessel Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota Port for replenishment, followed by the arrival of the Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 at Colombo Port in October 2023, allegedly for geophysical research in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Both visits provoked strong protests from India, citing strategic security concerns.
Meanwhile, other Chinese Navy ships regularly visit Sri lanka. For example, on December 21st Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, to begin a 7-day “friendly visit”. Interestingly, this is the second visit to Sri Lanka by the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark after its visit in 2017. Upon arrival, the Sri Lankan side held a welcome ceremony for the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark at the pier. China claims the naval ship is on the Mission Harmony-2024.
China’s declaration of its renewed research efforts comes shortly after India reiterated its concerns over the presence of Chinese research vessels in the region. Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri emphasized India’s maritime security interests during a media briefing on December 16, following President Dissanayake’s official visit to India. Mr Misri highlighted that India’s perspectives on maritime research and security had been clearly communicated to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has previously assured India that its territory will not be used in ways detrimental to India’s security. Albeit, no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established for foreign research vessels, as initially suggested by Sri Lanka’s government.
Whilst China preaches peace it doesn’t show any intention of practising the same as Chinese research activities in Sri Lanka have drawn considerable criticism from India multiple times in the past.
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