[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] India, which is engaged in armed clashes with China at the border, has engaged in a power struggle over the docking of a Chinese 'survey ship' in Sri Lanka.
According to local media and major foreign news outlets on the 9th (local time), the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it requested the Chinese side to postpone the docking of the Chinese vessel 'Yuanwang 5,' which was scheduled to arrive at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port on the 11th.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Considering the need for further consultations, this message was conveyed to the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka." According to diplomatic and security experts, the Yuanwang 5 is operated by the Strategic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and is equipped with advanced satellite detection and tracking equipment. It can be used to monitor rocket launches as well as intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
The Chinese side has stated that the Yuanwang 5 is merely a survey ship and plans to replenish necessary supplies such as fuel at Hambantota Port.
In this regard, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already allowed the docking of the Yuanwang 5 last month but later changed its position. It is known that Indian pressure played a role in this process. India is reportedly concerned that China might effectively use Hambantota Port as a military base through the docking of the Yuanwang 5.
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