Chinese attempts to flex naval muscles in Indian Ocean fails

By Ramesh Singh

Attempts by China to dock a state of the art ?Spy Ship? at the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka has caused much concern in domestic politics with many parties objecting resulting in the Sri Lankan Government requesting a deferment of the date of arrival.?

The Chinese space-craft tracking ship Yuanwang-5 was scheduled to enter Hambantota Harbor on 11 August.

A member of Parliament of Sri Lanka?s main Opposition party- Dr Harsha De Silva was quick to voice concerns against the proposed arrival of the Chinese ship.

?I fervently hope the ?highest level? (as mentioned) will resolve this before getting out of hand. India and China are dependable friends and we certainly don?t need to change that. Especially now when we desperately need both to help us.?

The country?s largest minority political party, the Tamil National Party pointed out the need to ensure India?s maritime and territorial defence worries are not provoked.

?Chinese space-craft tracking ship Yuanwang-5 entering the Hambantota harbour on 11 August has again given rise to tensions in the region. We do not take sides with regard to power struggles between other countries. But we have also consistently stated that China?s military presence in the Indian ocean would give India a legitimate Defence concern and that SL should not accentuate that by providing space for Chinese military presence in SL.?

?The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress too called to make sure that international security was maintained at all times when foreign military vessels entered Sri Lankan waters.?

?The position of the SLMC on warships, military or naval craft being allowed into Sri Lankan waters is based on the broad principles of national sovereignty, international peace and security, and non- alignment. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress continues to advocate for the vision of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. This vision, which was promoted by Sri Lanka during the Cold War period, in our view is more relevant today than ever before. We envision and remain committed to working with all progressive sections of the wider Indian Ocean community to ensure that we take all practical and meaningful steps to make the Indian Ocean safe and secure at all times, in which peaceful navigation and economic activities beneficial to littoral states take place; contributing to the stability and prosperity of all states. Accordingly, we would encourage the government of Sri Lanka and other states and stakeholders not to compromise such a vision of the Indian Ocean by allowing the passage and docking-in of warships or naval craft, the mission and movement of which is perceived to not manifest this spirit at any times, under any circumstances and by any party.In this context, it is also pertinent to note that Sri Lankan leaders have given repeated assurances that nothing inimical to the security of India will be permitted within the territory or territorial waters of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is now the responsibility of the government of Sri Lanka to ensure that it takes all meaningful measures necessary to realise these objectives.?

This would not be the first time that a Chinese military vessel has entered Sri Lankan waters.?

In 2014 a Chinese Submarine docked the island?s southern Hambantota Port for what they claim was solely for refuelling purposes.?

However, it was seen by many geopolitical experts at the time that it was attempt by China to flex its naval powers in the Indian Ocean and to show regional powers of its influence over Sri Lanka.

A similar attempt was made in 2017 as well by the Chinese to dock yet another military submarine at the Hambantota.

However, this time China?s attempts were unsuccessful with Colombo requesting that the arrival of the Chinese Ship be deferred.?

?The Ministry wishes to request that the arrival date of the vessel YUAN WANG 5 in Hambantota be deferred until further consultations are made on this matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Colombo, the assurances of its highest consideration?

Meanwhile President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and noted that Sri Lanka was committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

?During a meeting with H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China, I reiterated Sri Lanka?s firm commitment to the one-China policy, as well as to the UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.? Mr. Wickremesinghe said in his Twitter message.

He also said in a tweet that countries must refrain from provoking each other which could further escalate global tensions that are ongoing- which can be easily seen as a direct message to the Chinese.

?Countries must refrain from provocations which further escalate the current global tensions. Mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries are important foundations for peaceful cooperation and non-confrontation,? President Wickremesinghe said .?