(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Confirming that Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang-5 successfully berthed at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port Tuesday, China stressed that the marine scientific research activities of the ship are consistent with international law and international customary practice.
Speaking at the regular press conference today Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the ship’s activities will not affect security and economic interests of any country.
“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,” Wang said.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said the ship received a warm welcome at the on-site ceremony hosted by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong at the island’s southern port.
The Spokesperson said it will take some time for the Yuan Wang-5 research ship to complete the replenishment of necessary supplies after the docking.
Commenting that China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said the two countries are both committed to all-round, mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in various areas.
He noted that 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,” Spokesperson Wang affirmed.
When asked whether China will consider stepping up its monetary assistance to Sri Lanka, now that the Sri Lankan government has cleared the docking and the ship docked at the port, the Spokesperson said China is doing its utmost to help Sri Lanka to overcome the difficulties the country is facing currently.
“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,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said.
