Sri Lankan Minister Defends Decision to Host Chinese Military Training Ship Amid Diplomatic Engagements

Sri Lanka's new Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, has come forward to defend the government’s decision to allow the Chinese military training ship "Po Lang" to dock in Colombo. The move comes amidst ongoing diplomatic exchanges and growing international attention, particularly from India, over Chinese military and research vessels in the Indian Ocean region. According to Herath, such visits are routine and pose no threat to Sri Lanka’s security or sovereignty, aligning with the nation’s policy of maintaining international cooperation.

The "Po Lang," a training vessel from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, arrived at the Colombo port as part of its ocean-going mission aimed at boosting the professional skills of midshipmen. The ship, an 86-meter-long sail training vessel, is staffed by a crew of 130, including 35 officer cadets. The visit forms part of a broader itinerary that includes stops in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and a technical halt in Hong Kong. The purpose of the visit, as stated by the Chinese Navy, is to conduct naval exchanges and strengthen cooperation with other nations, including Sri Lanka.

Herath was quick to highlight that Sri Lanka's decision to host the Chinese military ship is consistent with past policies, where the country has welcomed ships from a variety of nations, including Germany and the United States. "We are happy to allow military training ships. They pose no threat," Herath stated in response to concerns raised over the Chinese presence. He emphasized that the move is part of the country’s broader diplomatic engagements, dismissing any fears of jeopardizing national interests.

Notably, the current Sri Lankan government’s stance contrasts with previous policy decisions under the former administration. The earlier government had placed restrictions on allowing foreign scientific research vessels in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a decision that sparked concern in countries like India. India has repeatedly voiced its worries about Chinese military and research ships operating in Sri Lankan waters, given its strategic interest in the Indian Ocean region.

Herath’s predecessor, Ali Sabry, had already indicated in July that the government was reviewing this moratorium on foreign research vessels. It appears that the arrival of the Chinese military training ship signals a shift in policy, one that prioritizes strengthening naval ties and maintaining international relations.

The arrival of the "Po Lang" was met with a warm reception by the Sri Lanka Navy, in line with naval traditions. The visit also includes joint training programs between the Sri Lankan and Chinese naval personnel, aimed at enhancing operational understanding and camaraderie. The Chinese crew will also participate in cultural activities and visit key tourist attractions in Colombo, further promoting bilateral engagement beyond military cooperation.

Despite potential concerns from neighboring India, Herath remains firm in his stance, asserting that the government will continue to allow visits by foreign military training ships as part of its commitment to international diplomacy and cooperation. "Such visits align with our policy of fostering international naval ties, without compromising our national interests," he reiterated.

This diplomatic balancing act highlights Sri Lanka’s effort to navigate complex international relations in a region where strategic interests are continually at play. The presence of Chinese military vessels in the Indian Ocean has been a point of contention, particularly for India, which views the region as its strategic backyard. However, for Sri Lanka, maintaining open relations with both China and India is crucial for its own national interests, especially given its economic reliance on international partnerships.

By allowing the Chinese training vessel to dock, Sri Lanka is signaling its intention to keep its foreign policy flexible, ensuring that it does not align too closely with one power at the expense of others.