In message to India over Chinese satellite tracking ship row, Beijing says ‘senseless to pressure’ Sri Lanka
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Beijing: China on Monday said it was “senseless to pressure” Sri Lanka, in remarks apparently aimed at India over the issue of a planned docking of a Chinese research vessel at the strategic Hambantota Port. The remarks came after Colombo asked Beijing to defer the arrival of the high-tech ship.
It was earlier reported that the Government of Sri Lanka had asked China not to send the Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to Hambantota Port now. As per the schedule, the ship was to dock at the port from August 11 to 17. The Sri Lankan request came apparently due to security concerns expressed by India.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing today that Beijing was in know of the reports and stated that that “the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is independently chosen by the two countries and meets common interests. It does not target any third party”.
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Wang further said it is “senseless to pressure Sri Lanka” by citing the issue of security concerns.
“Sri Lanka is a sovereign state. It can develop relations with other countries in the light of its own development interests,” Wang said further.
“China urges relevant parties to see China’s scientific explorations in a reasonable and sensible way and stop disturbing the normal exchange between China and Sri Lanka,” he added.
It was earlier reported by the Sri Lankan media that New Delhi had shared its apprehensions with Colombo regarding the docking of the high-tech Chinese research vessel, stating it could pose a threat to its national security.
The concerns were reportedly conveyed to Sri Lanka strongly as it was believed that the ship has the capability to track satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
“We are aware of reports of a proposed visit by this vessel to Hambantota in August,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said in New Delhi last month when queried about the probable visit by the Chinese vessel.
“The government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India’s security and economic interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them,” he had added.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador Qi Zhenhong is reported to have held closed-door talks with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe after Colombo sought deferment in the planned docking of the ship.
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