The marine scientific research activities of the Yuan Wang 5 ship are consistent with international law and international customary practice, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin has said.

Speaking yesterday (16) at the regular media briefing held in Beijing, Mr. Wang has emphasised, "The marine scientific research activities of the Yuanwang-5 ship are consistent with international law and international customary practice. They do not affect the security and economic interests of any country and should not be obstructed by any third party."

"For years, the two countries have maintained close cooperation in marine scientific research. China is ready to work with the Sri Lankan side to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen win-win cooperation and promote the sound and steady development of the bilateral relations," he has added.

Mr. Wang's complete remarks to the press in this regard is as follows :

Global Times: The Sri Lankan foreign ministry said recently that the government officially cleared the port call by the Chinese research ship Yuanwang-5 at the Hambantota port from August 16 to 22 for replenishment purposes. According to reports, Yuanwang-5 berthed at the port on August 16. Can you verify this?

Wang Wenbin: What you said is true. At the noon of August 16 Beijing time, with active cooperation from the Sri Lankan side, the Chinese research vessel Yuanwang-5 successfully berthed at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong hosted the on-site welcoming ceremony, which was attended by Member of Parliament Mahinda Wijesekera as representative of the Sri Lankan President and more than ten heads of parties and heads of friendly communities. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, as Chinese and Sri Lankan national anthems were played, and the Sri Lankan people performed traditional folk dance on the red carpet. It will take some time for the Yuanwang-5 research ship to complete the replenishment of necessary supplies after the docking.

China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors. And the two countries are both committed to all-round, mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in various areas. For years, the two countries have maintained close cooperation in marine scientific research. China is ready to work with the Sri Lankan side to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen win-win cooperation and promote the sound and steady development of the bilateral relations.

I want to stress again that the marine scientific research activities of the Yuanwang-5 ship are consistent with international law and international customary practice. They do not affect the security and economic interests of any country and should not be obstructed by any third party.

PTI: Regard to what you said about the Chinese ship docking at the Sri Lanka port, now that the Sri Lankan government has cleared the docking and the ship docked at the port, is China considering stepping up its monetary assistance to Sri Lanka?

Wang Wenbin: Let me start by stressing one more time that the marine scientific research activities of the Yuanwang-5 ship are consistent with international law and international customary practice. 

On what you asked about China-Sri Lanka cooperation, as we have stressed many times, as Sri Lanka’s friendly neighbor, China feel deeply for the economic and social difficulties facing Sri Lanka at the moment. China has been doing its utmost to support and help Sri Lanka pull through the difficulties. This is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do. 

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