Foreign Ministry gives clearance for deferred Chinese vessel’s arrival

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the request for the Chinese ballistic missile- and satellite-tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 to call at Hambantota Port for replenishments, which was deferred earlier, has now been granted.

The ship was scheduled to dock at Hambantota Port from August 11-17, however, the Sri Lankan government sought deferment, citing further consultations on the matter.

However, the Foreign Ministry today (Aug 13), having considered all material in place, conveyed to the Embassy of China in Colombo that clearance is granted for the entry of the much-disputed Chinese vessel.

In a press release, the ministry reiterated that security and cooperation in the region is of utmost priority. “It is Sri Lanka’s intention to safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries, in keeping with its international obligations.”

The ministry said it deeply appreciates the support, solidarity and understanding of all countries, especially in the current juncture when the island nation is in the process of addressing severe economic challenges and engaging in multiple domestic processes to ensure the welfare of the Sri Lankan people.

According to the ministry, on June 28, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo had informed via diplomatic note that the Chinese Scientific research ship yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to pay a port call in Hambantota from August 11-17 for replenishment purposes.

“While no rotation of personnel were to take place during the call, the government of Sri Lanka was requested to provide necessary assistance and positive consideration to the request by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.”

The ministry stated that as per accepted practice related to such requests for ‘diplomatic clearance,’ it circulated the said request among relevant stakeholders in government for approval – the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

Following receipt on July 07 of security clearance from the Defence Ministry for the visit of the 730-foot-long ship during the stipulated period, as well as a No Objection Letter from the TRCSL for the use of frequencies and communication equipment subject to non-interference and non-protection basis, diplomatic clearance was conveyed to the Chinese Embassy by the Foreign Ministry on July 12.

“The following conditions highlighted by the Ministry of Defence were also stated – keeping the Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on within the EEZ of Sri Lanka and no scientific research to be conducted in Sri Lankan waters.”

Subsequently, in light of certain concerns raised within the Foreign Ministry, the Sri Lankan government requested the Chinese Embassy on August 05, via diplomatic note, to defer the planned visit of Yuan Wang 5 “until the conduct of further consultations on the matter.”

The request for deferment came after India voiced strong concerns on the matter and said it carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on its security and economic interests, and takes all necessary to safeguard them.

China, in response to India’s concerns, said it hoped “relevant parties” would refrain from interfering with its legitimate maritime activities and stressed that it was “senseless to pressure” Colombo by citing the issue of security concerns.

Meanwhile, India on Friday (Aug 12) categorically rejected insinuation by China which claimed that Sri Lanka’s neighbour is pressuring the island nation over Chinese ballistic missile and satellite-tracking vessel’s planned visit to Hambantota.

The government has since engaged in “extensive consultations at a high level through diplomatic channels with all parties concerned, with a view to resolving the matter in a spirit of friendship, mutual trust and constructive dialogue, taking into account the interests of all parties concerned and in line with the principles of sovereign equality of states, the Foreign Ministry added.

On August 12, the Chinese Embassy informed the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry that Yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to arrive at the Hambantota Port on August 16, and applied for clearance for replenishment purposes for the new dates from August 16-22.

“Having considered all material in place, on August 13, 2022, the clearance to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China was conveyed for the deferred arrival of the vessel from 16-22 August, 2022,” the statement read further.

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry went on to reiterate Sri Lanka’s policy of cooperation and friendship with all countries, while noting that security and cooperation in the neighbourhood is of utmost priority.