Amid the growing concerns in India about Beijing's increased activity in the Indian Ocean, another Chinese vessel has made its presence in the Sri Lankan port. This is the second vessel to be present in 14 months. According to China, Shiyan 6 is a research vessel which arrived at the Colombo port on Wednesday.

Chinese vessel docks at Colombo port | WION Dispatch

Chinese Shin Yan 6—which India claims it to be a spy vessel—arrived at the Port of Colombo on Wednesday (Oct 25).&nbsp;A spokesperson from the Sri Lanka foreign ministry told AFP news agency that the vessel had been authorised to dock in the city, where a Chinese state-owned company operates a deep-sea container terminal.

“Clearance was given for the vessel to come to Colombo for replenishment,” the spokesman was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 90-metre (300-foot) vessel was seen entering the port of Colombo on Wednesday evening.

<h2>Vessel for research purposes&nbsp;</h2>

The Chinese call&nbsp;the Shi Yan 6 a "scientific research vessel" with a crew of 60 to conduct oceanography, geology and marine ecology tests.

According to Chinese officials, their primary objective is to carry out an extensive survey encompassing both the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the island nation and the region of the southern Indian Ocean.

However, India believes that the research ship is actually a spy vessel in disguise meant to snoop on Indian military assets based in the southern region bordering Sri Lanka and Andaman and Nicobar islands, which serves as the base for the Indian Air Force and the Navy.

Earlier, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)—the apex institute charged with responsibility for carrying out research—said that the China’s Shi Yan 6 will be reaching Sri Lanka as per an agreement reached with the University of Ruhuna.

<h2>India's concerns&nbsp;</h2>

Later, the University of Ruhuna announced that it has decided to step away from the research program that was to take place with the Chinese scientific research vessel.

The University of Ruhuna announced that one of the two university lecturers who represented the university in agreeing to conduct joint research with the Shi Yan 6 had migrated overseas, and the other lecturer had stepped away from the country's university system&nbsp;completely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-echoes-indias-security-concerns-over-chinas-shi-yan-6s-port-call-to-sri-lanka-report-639407">US echoes India’s security concerns over China’s Shi Yan 6’s port call to Sri Lanka: Report</a>

It comes a year after India expressed concerns over a similar port call by Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5, which specialises in spacecraft tracking. But New Delhi believed it to be a spy ship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/presence-of-chinese-research-ship-shi-yan-6-in-colombo-is-problematic-for-india-heres-why-641372">Presence of Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 in Colombo is problematic for India. Here's why</a>

It docked in Hambantota, a port in Sri Lanka's south under a 99-year lease to the Chinese company that built it after Colombo was unable to service a $1.4 billion loan taken for the project.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Shin Yan 6—which India claims it to be a spy vessel—arrived at the Port of Colombo on Wednesday (Oct 25). A spokesperson from the Sri Lanka foreign ministry told AFP news agency that the vessel had been authorised to dock in the city, where a Chinese state-owned company operates a deep-sea container terminal.

Chinese Shin Yan 6—which India claims it to be a spy vessel—arrived at the Port of Colombo on Wednesday (Oct 25). A spokesperson from the Sri Lanka foreign ministry told AFP news agency that the vessel had been authorised to dock in the city, where a Chinese state-owned company operates a deep-sea container terminal. “Clearance was given for the vessel to come to Colombo for replenishment,” the spokesman was quoted as saying by AFP. The 90-metre (300-foot) vessel was seen entering the port of Colombo on Wednesday evening. Vessel for research purposes The Chinese call the Shi Yan 6 a "scientific research vessel" with a crew of 60 to conduct oceanography, geology and marine ecology tests. According to Chinese officials, their primary objective is to carry out an extensive survey encompassing both the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the island nation and the region of the southern Indian Ocean. However, India believes that the research ship is actually a spy vessel in disguise meant to snoop on Indian military assets based in the southern region bordering Sri Lanka and Andaman and Nicobar islands, which serves as the base for the Indian Air Force and the Navy. Earlier, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)—the apex institute charged with responsibility for carrying out research—said that the China’s Shi Yan 6 will be reaching Sri Lanka as per an agreement reached with the University of Ruhuna. India's concerns Later, the University of Ruhuna announced that it has decided to step away from the research program that was to take place with the Chinese scientific research vessel. The University of Ruhuna announced that one of the two university lecturers who represented the university in agreeing to conduct joint research with the Shi Yan 6 had migrated overseas, and the other lecturer had stepped away from the country's university system completely. Also read | US echoes India’s security concerns over China’s Shi Yan 6’s port call to Sri Lanka: Report It comes a year after India expressed concerns over a similar port call by Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5, which specialises in spacecraft tracking. But New Delhi believed it to be a spy ship. Also read | Presence of Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 in Colombo is problematic for India. Here's why It docked in Hambantota, a port in Sri Lanka's south under a 99-year lease to the Chinese company that built it after Colombo was unable to service a $1.4 billion loan taken for the project. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese ‘research vessel’ Shin Yan 6 docks at Colombo Port amid India’s security concerns

Disguised as conducting scientific examinations in the Indian Ocean, Chinese vessels are presently engaged in extensive surveys across vast regions of the Indian Ocean Region.

China's research vessel in Colombo; Shi Yan 6 arrives at Colombo port

The day after a Chinese vessel berthed in Colombo harbour, India declared that it was "monitoring" any events that might have an impact on security concerns and that it was ready to take the required steps to protect its interests. The 138-person crewed 129-meter-long Chinese ship Hai Yang 24 Hao arrived in Colombo on August 10 and was due to depart the following day, according to a Sri Lankan Navy announcement.

Chinese Warship at Colombo Port: India says it monitors all developments that impact security

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;will offer a strategically located deep-sea port to India and Japan, an official said Tuesday, as the island seeks to balance traditional ties against China's rising regional influence.

The government last month abruptly pulled out of an agreement with Delhi and Tokyo to jointly develop the partially built East Container Terminal, located next to a $500-million Chinese-run container jetty within the capital Colombo's sprawling port.

But Colombo reversed course Tuesday, offering the West Container Terminal (WCT), which is yet to be built and located on the other side of the Chinese-run jetty known as the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT).

"The discussions to develop the WCT will be only with India and Japan," government spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters in the capital.

Rambukwella said the cabinet decided Monday to allow India and Japan to have an 85 percent stake in the West Container Terminal -- the same terms China was granted when building the CICT.

It's unclear how Tokyo and Delhi will divide their majority stake in the port.&nbsp;

The government said the Indian High Commission in Colombo has "approved"&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's latest offer.&nbsp;

There was no immediate response from India's foreign ministry in New Delhi, and a government spokesman said Japan has yet to respond to the new proposal.

The government blamed trade unions calling for local instead of foreign development for last month’s abrogation of the East Container Terminal, which will now be completed by the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Ports Authority.

Colombo is located in the Indian Ocean between the major hubs of Dubai and Singapore, meaning control of its ports is highly sought after.

Two Chinese submarines berthed at the CICT -- which started operations in 2013 -- in 2014, sparking concerns in India which considers neighbour&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;to be within its sphere of influence.

Since then,&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;has refused permission for further submarine calls.

In December 2017, unable to repay a huge Chinese loan,&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;allowed China Merchants Port Holdings to take over the southern Hambantota port, which straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route.

The deal, which gave the Chinese company a 99-year lease, raised fears about Beijing's use of "debt traps" in exerting its influence abroad.&nbsp;

India and the United States have also expressed concerns that a Chinese foothold at Hambantota could give Beijing a military advantage in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka will offer a strategically located deep-sea port to India and Japan, an official said Tuesday, as the island seeks to balance traditional ties against China's rising regional influence.

Sri Lanka will offer a strategically located deep-sea port to India and Japan, an official said Tuesday, as the island seeks to balance traditional ties against China's rising regional influence. The government last month abruptly pulled out of an agreement with Delhi and Tokyo to jointly develop the partially built East Container Terminal, located next to a $500-million Chinese-run container jetty within the capital Colombo's sprawling port. But Colombo reversed course Tuesday, offering the West Container Terminal (WCT), which is yet to be built and located on the other side of the Chinese-run jetty known as the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). "The discussions to develop the WCT will be only with India and Japan," government spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters in the capital. Rambukwella said the cabinet decided Monday to allow India and Japan to have an 85 percent stake in the West Container Terminal -- the same terms China was granted when building the CICT. It's unclear how Tokyo and Delhi will divide their majority stake in the port. The government said the Indian High Commission in Colombo has "approved" Sri Lanka's latest offer. There was no immediate response from India's foreign ministry in New Delhi, and a government spokesman said Japan has yet to respond to the new proposal. The government blamed trade unions calling for local instead of foreign development for last month’s abrogation of the East Container Terminal, which will now be completed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Colombo is located in the Indian Ocean between the major hubs of Dubai and Singapore, meaning control of its ports is highly sought after. Two Chinese submarines berthed at the CICT -- which started operations in 2013 -- in 2014, sparking concerns in India which considers neighbour Sri Lanka to be within its sphere of influence. Since then, Sri Lanka has refused permission for further submarine calls. In December 2017, unable to repay a huge Chinese loan, Sri Lanka allowed China Merchants Port Holdings to take over the southern Hambantota port, which straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route. The deal, which gave the Chinese company a 99-year lease, raised fears about Beijing's use of "debt traps" in exerting its influence abroad. India and the United States have also expressed concerns that a Chinese foothold at Hambantota could give Beijing a military advantage in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka offers strategic deep-sea port to India, Japan

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties.

Indian government has asked Sri Lanka to abide by its commitment to allow India and Japan to develop the east container terminal (ECT) of Colombo port.

Sri Lanka had previously agreed to develop the strategic East Container Terminal at the Colombo port with India and Japan. Under the deal, India and Japan were to own 49 percent of the terminal’s shares while Sri Lanka’s Ports Authority would retain the majority stake.

But on February 2, Sri Lanka’s government declared the East terminal “a wholly owned container terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.”

The Indian embassy in Colombo said India expects the timely implementation of the agreement the three countries signed in 2019.&nbsp;

The Colombo port trade unions had opposed the proposal of investors from India and Japan buying 49 per cent stake in the ETC. They had demanded the ECT to remain 100 per cent owned by the SLPA as opposed to the 51 per cent.

Some 23 trade unions had joined hands to oppose the port deal.

India, Japan and Sri Lanka had signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt.&nbsp;

Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities.

The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity.&nbsp;

In a tweet, he said that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties.

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties. Indian government has asked Sri Lanka to abide by its commitment to allow India and Japan to develop the east container terminal (ECT) of Colombo port. Sri Lanka had previously agreed to develop the strategic East Container Terminal at the Colombo port with India and Japan. Under the deal, India and Japan were to own 49 percent of the terminal’s shares while Sri Lanka’s Ports Authority would retain the majority stake. But on February 2, Sri Lanka’s government declared the East terminal “a wholly owned container terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.” The Indian embassy in Colombo said India expects the timely implementation of the agreement the three countries signed in 2019. The Colombo port trade unions had opposed the proposal of investors from India and Japan buying 49 per cent stake in the ETC. They had demanded the ECT to remain 100 per cent owned by the SLPA as opposed to the 51 per cent. Some 23 trade unions had joined hands to oppose the port deal. India, Japan and Sri Lanka had signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt. Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities. The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. In a tweet, he said that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka halts port deal with India and Japan amid protests by trade unions

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal.&nbsp;

And now China is tightening its grip on Sri Lanka by pushing India and its allies out.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-sri-lanka-hold-talks-on-colombos-debt-repayment-309753">Covid-19: India, Sri Lanka hold talks on Colombo's debt repayment</a>

Take a look at China's encirclement strategy. How China is building ports and infrastructure around the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is a key part of this strategy. The country had to give up the Hambantota Port to China on a 99 year lease. With this port, Colombo has given Beijing a strategic foothold along a critical, commercial and military waterway.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-pushing-india-out-of-a-sri-lankan-port-314759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A report that came out 10 days ago suggest Sri Lanka is rethinking of a port deal with India.&nbsp;

The deal was signed between India, Japan and Sri Lanka in 2019 and allowed India and Japan to develop a new east container terminal.

As per the agreement, Sri Lanka has the majority, 51 per cent stake at the deal, but still President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants to shelve it.&nbsp;

Apparently, the workers at the Colombo port want the deal scrapped, a reason that looks silly.

A closer look at the issue declutters the situation. Sri Lanka is flush with Chinese funds and 12 per cent of its debts are owed to Beijing.&nbsp;

This means China dictates terms and that explains the situation itself.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa seems to be distancing himself from the grants and funds offered by the Quad nations.&nbsp;

In June, a Japan-funded rail project was shelved. Sri Lankan officials urged the president to refuse a $480 million grant from the US, however, final decision is yet to be taken.&nbsp;

And now India's role in the Colombo port is under a shadow.

These developments benefit only one party, and that's China.&nbsp;

Beijing is securing its strong foothold in Sri Lanka and wants to drive others out.&nbsp;

Also, China is meddling in Lankan politics too. General elections are due in the island nation and reports suggest Chinese are cultivating a "wide swathe of political allies". Representatives from China are meeting leading political parties.&nbsp;

Some of these meetings are happening behind closed doors, others are out in open.&nbsp;

A picture was clicked last year, which has an interesting composition. All leading political parties in Sri Lanka and the members of the Communist Party are present in a single frame.&nbsp;

This means that China is investing in all political players. So, it doesn't matter who gets elected on the upcoming elections, but China will be the winner.&nbsp;

Six days ago, China's state wire agency said the Chinese embassy donated masks to the election commission of Sri Lanka

The press release went on to describe how China "supports" Sri Lankan local, and central governments, enterprises, organisations and individuals.&nbsp;

In March, Colombo sought a loan of $500 million from China to fight the Wuhan virus and Beijing was quick to write the cheque and draw Colombo deeper in its trap of debt.&nbsp;

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal.

China is not just Pakistan's lifeline, but Nepal's guide, mentor and creditor too. It is not set to be Iran's biggest investor too with a 400 million dollars new deal. And now China is tightening its grip on Sri Lanka by pushing India and its allies out. Also read | Covid-19: India, Sri Lanka hold talks on Colombo's debt repayment Take a look at China's encirclement strategy. How China is building ports and infrastructure around the Indian subcontinent. Sri Lanka is a key part of this strategy. The country had to give up the Hambantota Port to China on a 99 year lease. With this port, Colombo has given Beijing a strategic foothold along a critical, commercial and military waterway. A report that came out 10 days ago suggest Sri Lanka is rethinking of a port deal with India. The deal was signed between India, Japan and Sri Lanka in 2019 and allowed India and Japan to develop a new east container terminal. As per the agreement, Sri Lanka has the majority, 51 per cent stake at the deal, but still President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants to shelve it. Apparently, the workers at the Colombo port want the deal scrapped, a reason that looks silly. A closer look at the issue declutters the situation. Sri Lanka is flush with Chinese funds and 12 per cent of its debts are owed to Beijing. This means China dictates terms and that explains the situation itself. Rajapaksa seems to be distancing himself from the grants and funds offered by the Quad nations. In June, a Japan-funded rail project was shelved. Sri Lankan officials urged the president to refuse a $480 million grant from the US, however, final decision is yet to be taken. And now India's role in the Colombo port is under a shadow. These developments benefit only one party, and that's China. Beijing is securing its strong foothold in Sri Lanka and wants to drive others out. Also, China is meddling in Lankan politics too. General elections are due in the island nation and reports suggest Chinese are cultivating a "wide swathe of political allies". Representatives from China are meeting leading political parties. Some of these meetings are happening behind closed doors, others are out in open. A picture was clicked last year, which has an interesting composition. All leading political parties in Sri Lanka and the members of the Communist Party are present in a single frame. This means that China is investing in all political players. So, it doesn't matter who gets elected on the upcoming elections, but China will be the winner. Six days ago, China's state wire agency said the Chinese embassy donated masks to the election commission of Sri Lanka The press release went on to describe how China "supports" Sri Lankan local, and central governments, enterprises, organisations and individuals. In March, Colombo sought a loan of $500 million from China to fight the Wuhan virus and Beijing was quick to write the cheque and draw Colombo deeper in its trap of debt.

China's debt trap: Is India out of the Colombo Port deal?

The stratregic Hambantota port goes to China. China gets contract for colombo port city project. It's funding the multi-billion dollar project. Colombo port gets largest F.D.I in lankan history. Watch this video to know more.

Sri Lanka is on a selling spree

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

A release from the Sri Lankan Port Authority (SLPA) said, "The three governments will work out details based on the MOC at joint working group meetings and advance their cooperation towards early commencement of work and operation of the ECT."

While SLPA retains 100% ownership of East Container Terminal (ECT), the Terminal Operations Company (TOC) conducting all East Container Terminal operations is jointly owned. Sri Lanka will have a 51% stake of the Terminal Operations Company, the joint venture partners will hold a 49% stake.

The release of the Port Authority said, " The 51% stake is also one of the best in SLPA joint ownership endeavours" with "SLPA's majority ownership in the new TOC represents a significant step in prioritizing National Interests."

Around 70% of Colombo Port's trans-shipment business is India-related.&nbsp;

Tuesday's development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. In 2017, unable to pay its debts, Sri Lanka handed over Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease.

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu. A release from the Sri Lankan Port Authority (SLPA) said, "The three governments will work out details based on the MOC at joint working group meetings and advance their cooperation towards early commencement of work and operation of the ECT." While SLPA retains 100% ownership of East Container Terminal (ECT), the Terminal Operations Company (TOC) conducting all East Container Terminal operations is jointly owned. Sri Lanka will have a 51% stake of the Terminal Operations Company, the joint venture partners will hold a 49% stake. The release of the Port Authority said, " The 51% stake is also one of the best in SLPA joint ownership endeavours" with "SLPA's majority ownership in the new TOC represents a significant step in prioritizing National Interests." Around 70% of Colombo Port's trans-shipment business is India-related. Tuesday's development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. In 2017, unable to pay its debts, Sri Lanka handed over Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease.

With eye on China, India, Japan and Sri Lanka agree to develop Colombo port

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