In a risky move that could potentially escalate regional tensions, Sri Lanka has permitted the Chinese Navy training ship Po Lang to dock at its port, despite a 12-month moratorium on foreign research vessels imposed earlier this year due to security concerns raised by India and the United States.
It is pertinent to note that Sri Lanka has been financially trapped in the Chinese nets and in has sought India’s help several times. However, this move of the Island country is seen as betrayal to its neighbor, India and the US. Notably, India has also offered several financial as well as humanitarian aid to the country on several occasions.
The Chinese Po Lang, a three-masted tall ship with a 130-member crew, is classified as a training vessel, not a research craft. During their stay, the ship’s crew will explore Sri Lankan tourist attractions and engage in naval exchanges, while Sri Lankan Navy personnel will participate in briefings about the ship’s operations.
This decision comes against the backdrop of recent naval visits that have stirred controversy. In August 2022, the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota port, followed by the research ship Shi Yan 6 arriving at Colombo port in October 2023. These events led to Sri Lanka implementing a ban on foreign research vessels in January 2024, though plans to lift this ban starting next year were announced in July 2024.
Sri Lanka’s strategic importance as a crucial waypoint for maritime traffic between Southeast Asia and West Asia has made it a focal point of geopolitical tension in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This was highlighted recently when Indian and Chinese warships docked simultaneously in Colombo, underscoring the country’s significance in regional naval diplomacy.
China’s growing presence in the region, including potential plans for a military base at Hambantota Port and increased naval activity in the IOR, has raised concerns, particularly in India. Reports of a possible Chinese radar base at Dondra Bay have further intensified these worries. India remains wary of China’s influence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, especially regarding potential naval reconnaissance activities and the growing military cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s decision to allow the Po Lang’s visit exemplifies the country’s delicate balancing act in regional diplomacy. While maintaining its moratorium on research vessels, Sri Lanka appears to be navigating a fine line between accommodating various naval powers and addressing security concerns. The country’s ability to balance these competing interests while maintaining its sovereignty will be crucial in shaping regional stability and diplomatic relations.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its strategic importance, its decisions will have significant implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region. The country’s port decision reflects the complex dynamics of naval diplomacy in the area, highlighting its evolving role as a theater of geopolitical competition.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on how Sri Lanka manages its strategic position and balances the interests of regional and global powers in this increasingly important maritime region.