China’s Naval Presence in Sri Lankan Waters Raises Concerns

October 09, Colombo (LNW): China’s continued deployment of warships for military training in Sri Lankan waters is intensifying tensions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where strategic competition between India and China is already at a peak, foreign affairs experts warned. . 

Even as their troops remain locked in a standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese naval activities in Sri Lanka are adding to the friction in India-Sri Lanka relations. 

This naval presence is also affecting India’s ties with other regional neighbors, like the Maldives, where China’s growing influence is a significant concern, thy pointed out. 

Recently, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship ‘Po Lang’ docked at the Colombo port on a formal visit. 

The 86-meter-long vessel, used for training purposes, arrived with 130 crew members, including 35 officer cadets, and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy. 

The visit included meetings with senior naval officials and collaborative activities aimed at strengthening naval ties between the two countries. The vessel is set to depart Sri Lanka on October 11, following its scheduled engagements.

This military engagement comes amid assurances from Sri Lankan officials about maintaining balanced diplomatic relations.

 Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Vijitha Herath, emphasized that the nation treats all countries equally, maintaining no special preferences.

 He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s relationship with China is on par with its relationship with India, the U.S., Russia, and others, underscoring the country’s neutral stance in international diplomacy.

Herath further pointed out that hosting military vessels is part of routine diplomatic exchanges, mentioning that ships from nations like the U.S., India, and Germany have also docked at Sri Lankan ports in the past. 

He cited a solar panel project, developed in collaboration with China, as an example of Sri Lanka’s cooperative approach with multiple countries, indicating the island nation’s intention to engage in balanced international relations.

Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts to maintain neutrality, the arrival of Chinese warships at Colombo port in August 2024, including the destroyer Hefei and amphibious ships Qilianshan and Wuzhishan, has raised strategic concerns for India. 

The Indian Navy closely monitored these vessels from their entry into the IOR until they docked in Colombo. 

Both Chinese and Indian warships, including INS Mumbai, were involved in passage exercises with the Sri Lankan Navy, reflecting the ongoing contest between the two powers in the region recently. .

India views these Chinese naval movements with suspicion, perceiving them as attempts at establishing a strategic foothold in the IOR.

 The presence of Chinese research vessels in the region has already sparked apprehensions in New Delhi, as such ships are often considered by India to be involved in intelligence-gathering activities under the guise of research.

Sri Lanka’s decision-making regarding Chinese vessels continues to draw scrutiny. Reports indicate that Beijing has sought approval for another research ship to visit Sri Lanka early next year. 

This request is yet to be granted, and the lack of a local partner in this operation has heightened India’s concerns over the potential use of the vessel for surveillance activities.

As tensions between India and China escalate in the Indian Ocean and along their land borders, Sri Lanka finds itself in a delicate position, navigating a fine line in its diplomatic engagements with both regional powers. 

The country’s strategy to maintain an equidistant stance from both nations will be crucial in managing its foreign relations and securing its geopolitical interests in the increasingly contested IOR.