India: "Chinese Warship Moves to Sri Lanka Port... Will Take Measures to Protect Security"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Indian government has warned that a Chinese intelligence-gathering naval vessel is en route to Hambantota Port in southern Sri Lanka and stated that it will take necessary measures to protect its national security. India is concerned that if China establishes a long-term military base at Hambantota Port, which it leased from the Sri Lankan government, it would pose a significant threat to India's security in the Indian Ocean shipping lanes.

According to Reuters on the 28th (local time), the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "The Chinese intelligence-gathering surveillance ship Yuanwang 5 is moving toward Hambantota Port in southern Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive around August 11." Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "The Indian government is closely monitoring all situations related to India's security and economic interests and will take all necessary measures to protect them," issuing a strong warning to China.

Hambantota Port is a strategic location on the major shipping routes of the southern Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka. In 2017, the Sri Lankan government leased the area to China for 99 years. At the time of the lease, both the Chinese and Sri Lankan governments stated that they would build a civilian port rather than a naval base, mindful of international opposition. However, the international community has expressed concerns that China might convert the site into a naval base. Indian diplomats stationed in Sri Lanka are also reported to have lodged verbal protests with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In particular, the Yuanwang 5 is equipped with intelligence capabilities that include information gathering and surveillance of enemy forces, as well as space tracking and satellite control, which is expected to heighten vigilance among India and neighboring countries. After leasing Hambantota Port, the Chinese government invested $1.1 billion (approximately 1.4267 trillion KRW) in port construction, and the U.S. government has expressed concerns that this location could become a Chinese naval base.

Controversy is also expected to arise within Sri Lanka, where anti-China sentiment has already grown. Sri Lanka, currently in default due to a national debt of $51 billion, reportedly owes more than 26% of its foreign debt to China. Within Sri Lanka, criticism is mounting that China has burdened the country with massive debt by using the Belt and Road Initiative (the land and maritime Silk Road) as bait.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.