Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, announced that the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 has received authorization for a port call in Sri Lanka, scheduled for November. The Sri Lankan government, in an effort to ensure adequate preparations, proposed the November date, although China had initially sought a port call in October.
Minister Sabry emphasized that this visit carries significant importance and is not a mere formality. The nation is gearing up to provide all necessary facilities during the vessel’s stay, taking into account internal considerations.
He further underscored the paramount significance of Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations with China, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from the strengthening ties between the two nations.
India has expressed concerns regarding the upcoming visit of another Chinese vessel, following the port call made by the high-tech research ship Yuan Wang-5 in August last year. India’s apprehensions stem from the research vessel’s capability to map the ocean bed, a vital element in the anti-submarine operations of the Chinese navy.
In September 2023, Minister Sabry clarified that negotiations were ongoing and that the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 was not permitted for a port call in October. He reiterated that India’s security concerns, which he acknowledged as legitimate, are of paramount importance to Sri Lanka.
Reports indicate that the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 is slated to engage in collaborative research with the National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA) during its time in Sri Lanka. This cooperative endeavor reflects the shared interests and collaborative spirit between the two nations in the field of marine research and development.
