China says it hoped “relevant parties” would refrain from interfering with its legitimate maritime activities, after India voiced concern over a Chinese military ship’s planned visit to a port in India’s southern neighbour Sri Lanka.
India is keeping a close watch across its southern neighbourhood following a report that a Chinese scientific research vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ will enter Hambantota port on August 11 for a week to allegedly conduct satellite control and research tracking in the Indian Ocean Region.
“During a weekly briefing late on Thursday, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said the government was monitoring the planned visit of the Chinese ship, adding that New Delhi would protect its security and economic interests.India has already lodged a verbal protest with the Sri Lankan government against the ship’s visit” Reuters reported on Thursday. (NewsWire)