China asks India to stop ‘disturbing’ exchanges with Sri Lanka, says opposition to ship visit is ‘senseless’

Reacting strongly to Sri Lanka’s request to delay the visit of a tracking vessel that was due to arrive on August 11 and had aroused India’s concerns, China on August 8, 2022 described India’s opposition to the visit as “senseless” and “urged” New Delhi to “not disturb normal exchanges” between the two countries.

The Yuan Wang 5 tracking and survey vessel had last month been given clearance by Sri Lanka to stop in the port of Hambantota from August 11 to 17 to carry out replenishment.

The View from India | A Chinese ship comes to Sri Lanka

The visit of a space and satellite tracking vessel for close to a week had, however, aroused concerns in New Delhi, and last week, Sri Lanka’s government conveyed to China that it wanted the visit deferred “until further consultations” were made.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong sought a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday, after receiving the note verbale from the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry requesting a delay in the visit.

Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong. | Photo Credit: AP

China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday hit out at opposition to the visit, terming it “senseless” .“We have noted the relevant report,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in response to a question on Sri Lanka’s deferral request.

“I would like to reiterate two points. Sri Lanka is a transportation hub in the Indian Ocean. Many scientific exploration ships including from China have stopped in the ports of Sri Lanka for supplies. China always exercised freedom of navigation in the high seas and fully respects jurisdiction of coastal states of scientific exploration activities within their jurisdiction waters.”

He added that “Sri Lanka is a sovereign state” and “can develop relations with other countries in the light of its own development interests. ”“The cooperation of China and Sri Lanka is independently chosen by the two countries and does not target third parties,” he said. “Citing the concept of security concerns is senseless to pressure Sri Lanka.”

Without referring directly to India, Mr. Wang said China “urges relevant parties to see China’s scientific exploration in a reasonable and sensible way and stop disturbing normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.”

The ship’s visit is another prominent example of Indian and Chinese interests rubbing up against each other in Sri Lanka. Last year, a Chinese firm similarly hit out at what it called “interference” by a “third party” after India had raised concerns about the awarding of a renewable energy project to a company from China, for installing energy systems in three islands off Jaffna Peninsula, 50 km away from Tamil Nadu.

Amid the latest dispute over the visit of the ship, China and Sri Lanka have been continuing long negotiations on possible financial assistance. Colombo has been seeking a $4 billion package from Beijing, which is, however, yet to take a call.

India has stepped in with over $3.5 billion to assist Sri Lanka during the current crisis, while China in May announced a $74 million grant. Beijing hasn’t yet responded to the requests for more assistance.