According to Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, Chinese research ship ‘Shi Yan 6’ will make a port call in Sri Lanka today (25).
The vessel, a cause of concern for India, is scheduled to dock at Columbo Harbour later today.
Earlier this month, however, Minister Sabry stated that Shi Yan 6 was given permission to dock in the island in November, despite China having sought a port call in October.
India’s concerns rose from the August 2022’s arrival of high-tech research ship Yuan Wang 5 in Columbo.
On several occasions, India expressed security concerns over Shi Yan 6’s ability to map the ocean bed. This is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese navy.
Sabry, in September 2023, told Indian media that the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 was not given permission to make a port call in October due to ongoing negotiations.
He also emphasised India’s concerns, deeming them ‘legitimate’ and ‘important’ for Sri Lanka. Shi Yan 6 is expected to collaborate with National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA).
