As Chinese naval vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues its journey to Sri Lanka’s Hamabantota port. India has raised its concerns with Sri Lanka. The Chinese ship is expected to reach the Sri Lankan port in mid-August and has New Delhi worrying that it may snoop on Indian ports and nuiclear plants in southern India.
“Government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India’s security and economic infrastructure and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them. I think that should be a clear message,” said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs.
Northern reaches of Indian Ocean are traditionally considered within the influence zone of India and Indian Navy has a regular presence in these waters where some of the important global trade sea lanes are present. Chinese foray here is hence a topic of concern for India.
Yuan Wang 5, the Chinese vessel is said to have lethal capabilities. It can track satellites and military installations. It is a 3rd generation tracking ship of Yuan Wang series and has aerial range of 750 kilometres.
This means that about six southern Indian ports and several nuclear plants are within obe=servational range of the ship even if it is docked in the port.
The port of Hambantota has been handed by Sri Lanka to China on a 99-year lease for commercial activities.
The Chinese ship is expected to be docked at Hambantota between August 11 and 17.