A Chinese research vessel arrived in the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota, under Chinese management, on Tuesday, authorities said, despite concerns from India and the United States which fear acts of espionage.
The
Yuan Wang 5
was allowed to dock on the condition that it conduct no research while in Sri Lankan waters, port officials said, after consultations with India, the United States and China.
The ship was due to arrive last week, but Colombo has asked Beijing to postpone the arrival in the face of protests from India, which is worried about China's activities in the region.
But on Saturday, after intense negotiations, Colombo announced that it had authorized the boat to dock at Hambantota and stay there for six days.
Maritime transport analysis websites describe the
Yuan Wang 5
as a research and surveillance vessel, but according to the Indian channel CNN-News18, it is a spy vessel.
China's Growing Presence in the Indian Ocean
The Chinese boat was allowed to enter the port on the condition that it keeps its automatic identification system (AIS) on while in Sri Lankan waters and is not allowed to carry out searches scientists.
New Delhi is concerned about China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which India considers its zone of influence.
The day before the ship's arrival, India offered Sri Lanka a Dornier 228 aircraft to boost the island's maritime surveillance capabilities.