Colombo: A Chinese warship has recently arrived in Colombo, as reported by the Navy. The vessel, named HAI YANG 24 HAO and belonging to China’s People’s Liberation Army, reached the Sri Lankan capital on Thursday.
Measuring 129 meters in length, the ship is operated by a crew of 138 and is under the command of Commander Jin Xin. The ship is scheduled to depart on Saturday, according to the Navy’s statement.
In a similar event last August, despite India expressing security concerns about the presence of a Chinese vessel in nearby waters, the Yuan Wang 5 had docked at the Hambantota Port after experiencing delays.
During that instance, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry explained that the government had engaged in extensive consultations with all concerned parties to address the matter with friendship, mutual trust, and constructive dialogue. The ship was allowed to dock under the condition that no scientific research would be conducted in Sri Lankan waters.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had responded by stating that the ship’s scientific research activities would adhere to international law.