Sri Lanka has allowed a Chinese naval sailing ship, the Po Lang, to dock in Colombo while reiterating its firm ban on foreign research vessels. The Po Lang, a striking triple-masted tall ship with a crew of 130, was permitted entry as it is classified as a training vessel rather than a research craft. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath emphasized that the policy on research vessels remains unchanged.
This decision comes amid rising tensions over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning India’s concerns about Chinese presence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, both of which are strategically located along vital shipping routes.
The Chinese crew is set to stay in Colombo until Friday, during which they plan to explore local tourist attractions and provide briefings to Sri Lankan sailors.
This incident follows Sri Lanka’s refusal in February to allow a Chinese research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 3, into its waters; that vessel later docked in the Maldives. India has previously objected to the presence of Chinese naval ships, such as the Yuan Wang 5, which it labeled as a “spy ship.”
The docking of the Po Lang, while maintaining the ban on research vessels, highlights Sri Lanka’s delicate balancing act between its economic ties with China and its strategic relationship with India. Given the ongoing regional tensions, this balancing act is likely to continue shaping Sri Lanka’s foreign policy in the future.
