Sri Lanka bans Chinese research vessels from entering its ports for one year: Report

Sri Lanka has conveyed to India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to enter its ports or conduct operations within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a duration of one year, according to a Hindustan Times report, citing people aware of the matter. The move comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging President Ranil Wickremesinghe to respect Indian strategic and security concerns during their meeting on 21 July, 2023. The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through apex diplomatic channels last week, added the report. The scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 from China, originally slated for “deep water exploration” in the southern Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, until late May, will now not receive clearance from Sri Lankan authorities. The decision comes after the Wickremesinghe government in Sri Lanka declared a one-year moratorium on hosting Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers, following concerns raised by India and the US. Additionally, China has sought permission from the pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in the Maldives for the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel to conduct a survey off the coast of Male. Previously, objections were raised by India regarding the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, which conducted a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November. Despite these objections, the vessel was allowed to dock in Colombo after Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe visited Beijing in October for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The objections to both Shi Yan 6, expected to return to Sri Lanka around March, and Xiang Yang Hong 3 were communicated to Wickremesinghe by top Indian diplomatic representatives. Historically, Chinese research ships, ballistic missile trackers, and hydrographic vessels have entered the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to conduct deep surveys, including the 90-degree ridge south of the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. For instance, the Shupang-class hydrographic vessel Deng Jiaxian operated in the IOR from August 10-24, re-entering through the Sunda Straits on August 28 and exiting through the Lombok/Ombai Wetar Straits in early September 2023. On September 11, the same vessel was observed surveying the Philippines Sea. In 2023, at least 25 Chinese ships, including PLA warships, submarines, ballistic missile trackers, and research vessels, have operated in the IOR, causing concern for India and the US. Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the IOR, with their primary areas of activity near the east and west coastlines of India and in the deep Indian Ocean. With inputs from agencies