New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, Sri Lanka has informed India that it will not permit any Chinese research vessel to dock at its ports or operate within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a duration of one year. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plea to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to consider Indian strategic and security concerns.
The communication of the one-year moratorium was conveyed through top diplomatic channels last week, restricting the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 from conducting deep water exploration in the south Indian Ocean.
The declared moratorium comes after concerns raised by India and the US regarding Colombo’s engagement with Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean. The move reflects a shift in Sri Lanka’s position, as it previously allowed the docking of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 despite objections from India.
The Xiang Yang Hong 3, slated for deep water exploration from January 5, 2024, to late May, will now face denial of clearance by Sri Lankan authorities. Additionally, China has sought permission from the pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in the Maldives for the Xiamen-based vessel to conduct a survey off the coast of Male.
In response to this development, India had voiced objections to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency earlier. The objections were reiterated concerning the Xiang Yang Hong 3, emphasizing India’s concerns over Chinese incursions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
This move is part of a larger pattern, with at least 25 Chinese ships, including warships, submarines, ballistic missile trackers, and research vessels, operating in the IOR this year. Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the IOR, raising concerns from India and the US.
