Colombo’s Move a Diplomatic Win for India, Stalls China’s Ocean Expansion

In a significant diplomatic development, Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will impose a one-year moratorium on any Chinese research vessel docking at its ports or operating within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This decision was communicated through diplomatic channels last week, marking a strategic move seen as a triumph for India in curbing China’s maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean.

The move particularly impacts China’s scientific research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, scheduled to conduct “deep water exploration” in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May. Sri Lankan authorities are expected to deny clearance for the vessel during this period.

The diplomatic victory for India follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for respect regarding India’s strategic and security concerns during his meeting with Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023.

The backdrop of this development includes China’s efforts to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka after the Hambantota debt row. President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in October was aimed at solidifying relations. However, the reported moratorium represents a setback for China’s attempts to deepen its influence in the region.

This move also comes in the wake of concerns raised by India and the United States regarding Colombo’s engagement with Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean. Both nations highlighted the potential security risks associated with such activities.

Earlier objections by India to the presence of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, engaged in a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, did not prevent the vessel from later docking at a Sri Lankan seaport. This raised concerns over Colombo’s alignment with Beijing’s interests in the region.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, at least 25 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ships have entered the Indian Ocean Region, with a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels deployed in the area since 2019.

This diplomatic development underscores the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and the increasing assertiveness of nations in safeguarding their interests amid growing concerns over maritime security.

Note: The news report is based on information from Hindustan Times and various agencies.