Colombo: Chinese spy ship arrived at Sri Lankan port despite India’s concerns and warnings. Yuan Wang 5, equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems, arrived at Hambantota port on Tuesday morning. Apart from India, the US also expressed concern over the arrival of the ship.
Sri Lankan Ports Minister Nirmal P. Silva said that the Ministry of External Affairs has given permission to anchor at Hambantota port from August 16 to 22. It was earlier informed that the ship will arrive at Hambantota on August 11. But due to India’s pressure, the entry permit for the ship was delayed. The Yuan Wang-5 is a state-of-the-art spy ship capable of intercepting and analyzing land and satellite signals.
“We are concerned regarding the reports of the arrival of the Chinese ship. It is monitoring whether there are any developments that will hinder India’s security and economic interests. All necessary precautions have been taken for security’ – this is how the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi responded to the reports earlier.
India’s assessment is that the arrival of the ship is to monitor satellite signals in the northwest region of the Indian Ocean. Security agencies are worried that information from strategic centers in South India such as Koodamkulam, Kalpakkam and Sriharikota will be leaked as the Chinese spy can capture all the signals within the 750 km air range. It is also said that most of the areas of Kerala will be in the eye of the ship.
English Summary: Chinese “Spy Ship” Arrives At Sri Lanka Port Amid Concerns In India
