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Riled by Sri Lanka's request to defer the planned docking of a high-tech Chinese research vessel at the strategic Hambantota Port, China on Monday took a dig at India, saying it was "senseless to pressure" Colombo by citing the issue of security concerns.
According to reports from Colombo, Sri Lanka has asked Beijing to defer the arrival of the Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel 'Yuan Wang 5' which was scheduled to dock at the Hambantota Port from August 11 to 17 due to security concerns expressed by India.
Responding to the reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here that Beijing has taken note of the reports and asserted that "the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is independently chosen by the two countries and meets common interests. It does not target any third party".
It is "senseless to pressure Sri Lanka" by citing the issue of security concerns, he said, in reference to the reports that Sri Lanka's move was attributed to concerns expressed by India.
"Sri Lanka is a sovereign state. It can develop relations with other countries in the light of its own development interests," he said.
"China urges relevant parties to see China's scientific explorations in a reasonable and sensible way and stop disturbing the normal exchange between China and Sri Lanka," Mr Wang said.
Sri Lanka is a transport hub in the Indian Ocean. Many scientific exploration ships including those from China have stopped at the port of Sri Lanka for resupplies, he said. "China has always exercised the freedom of navigation in the high seas and fully respects the jurisdiction of coastal states for the scientific exploration activities within their waters," he said.
According to media reports, India informed Sri Lanka that the docking of the high-tech Chinese research vessel could pose a threat to its national security.
Sri Lanka received strong messages of protests from India as the ship was said to have the capability to track satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles, the reports said.
India has said it carefully monitors any development having a bearing on its security and economic interests.
"We are aware of reports of a proposed visit by this vessel to Hambantota in August," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi when asked about the reports of a proposed visit by the Chinese vessel.
"The government carefully monitors any development having a bearing on India's security and economic interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them," he said last month.
Reports from Colombo on Sunday said China's embassy in the country sought an urgent meeting with senior Sri Lankan authorities after Colombo sought deferment in the planned docking of the research vessel.
Some Sri Lankan news portals also reported that the country's President Ranil Wickremesinghe held a closed-door meeting with China's Ambassador Qi Zhenhong after Colombo sought the deferment of the planned docking.
On July 12, amidst the political turmoil in Sri Lanka, the previous government approved the Chinese vessel's docking at the Hambantota port.(Agencies)
Kumara Monday, 08 August 2022 08:36 PM
Taiwan is a democracy like Sri Lanka; China has no reason to intimidate Taiwan (by firing missiles) and accuse a 3rd country USA for Congress woman Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to the Island.
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jans Monday, 08 August 2022 08:37 PM
India So Called Asian Giant, Afraid of of Chinese Sophisticated Sattelite ship because INDIA HAVE SECRETLY BUILD SOPHISTICATED ULTRA ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENTS WHICH INDIA AFRAID OF EXPOSING TO CHINESE YUAN 5 SHIP ANYWAY INDIA IS OUR NEIGHBORS STOP CHINESE VESSEL COMING TO SRILANKA TERITORIAL WATERS IMMEDIATELY
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Mar Monday, 08 August 2022 08:43 PM
China go Home
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Sandeep Monday, 08 August 2022 08:50 PM
Will China allow similar space and satellite exploration ship from India at Hongkong Port ? Come on!
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Punchi Monday, 08 August 2022 08:51 PM
China’s interaction is a massive scam we have being sold unproductive shoddy infrastructure at extortion and exorbitant prices and now we have become impoverished
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European Monday, 08 August 2022 08:52 PM
Scientific explorations? Yeah, right. Like the Russian military excercises near the Donbass border. India is acting very sensible.
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Common sense Monday, 08 August 2022 09:04 PM
China should know that SL is a sovereign state and no need to beg India not to influence SL. We don’t have fuel for our essential services. How can we refuel your enormous ship ? Why don’t you bring tank full of fuel or ship full of dollars?
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Chandran Monday, 08 August 2022 09:04 PM
Sri Lanka had a better history than India. When Sri Lanka was at the peak of it’s civilisation, India was under Muslim control ruled by mogul empire for 800 years. Only South India remained free of Muslim conquest. It was the British who liberated North India from the Muslims. If not for the British the North Indians would still be under the Muslims. Now, these North Indians behaving like “super power” and intimidating Sri Lanka.
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Iwazaru Monday, 08 August 2022 09:46 PM
So the Chinese ship is coming although Sri Lanka requested it not to come. The ship tracking sites show the ship is on course to dock in Hambantota Port. This port belongs to China and was sold by Ranil Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka is helpless due to the reckless borrowing from China. What will Sri Lanka do now as India does not like this ship visiting Sri Lanka. An interesting week in store.
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Munta henahatha Monday, 08 August 2022 10:16 PM
This Rajapakse Port is a curse!
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PhD student, La Trobe University, Australia Monday, 08 August 2022 10:22 PM
China is scientifically and mathematically a very advanced country. They would not need to park their ship in Humbantota to gather information about Indian military. They would have used sophisticated satellites and silent drones to gather every thing they need to know about China except the mystery of no satellite images of “Indian Toilets”.
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GHT Monday, 08 August 2022 11:26 PM
As a sovereign state, we have every right to consider any country with whom develop business in various ways, so, India has no business with Sri Lanka to commission in a rude way pointing fingers on us.
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Mahila Tuesday, 09 August 2022 02:24 AM
These pathetic Chinese could have sent some Chinese rice for starving Sri Lankans as aid in this mission and SL would have welcomed the visit!! What are they doing about deferment of the repayment of Billions given as loan to SL for unwanted project, the main purpose was to give 20% commission to "Raja Hora"!!??
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Joseph Monday, 08 August 2022 11:30 PM
China must stop provoking! Bunch of pathetic fools they are. Where is the aid that China could have given to Sri Lanka without any obligation? No, before they give something, they want something in return. Sri Lanka should never, ever do business with those stupid bums again.
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Roisin Monday, 08 August 2022 11:59 PM
To Chandran: did you get stuck in development 800 years ago? Grow up!
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Ranjan Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:02 AM
European, are you so confused ? . We Sri Lanka are not victims if China spies on India. So, what is your point ? If you want to cry for India then by all means write to an Indian paper. We know mental problems are rife in Europe .
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Adam Speak Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:49 AM
India and China are both Hejemonic and Human Rights Violators in Asia. India is far worse compared to China in Standard of Living and other Indexes. Both these countries will do anything to stir Racism and Communal and other Violences to achieve their goals. It is far better that we go with International World including UNO, UNICEF, IMF, WB, ADB and WHO to achieve our National goals rather than a Tug of War between India and China. So be mindful to maintain good governance, human rights, freedom of democratic rights of citizens. If we have to be successful. thats It!!!
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Ram Tuesday, 09 August 2022 02:32 AM
This is Chinese arrogance. If SL for whatever reason asked China not to send their ships China must respect SL decision. It is Sri Lanka's prerogative to allow or disallow any ship into the country
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Mahila Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:26 PM
A Valid reason is given!! We don't have fuel to give anyone. We sri lankans every drop we have in this country> Please keep away from us at this time!! So clear and simple!!
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Neil Tuesday, 09 August 2022 02:37 AM
Our politicians should take the responsibility for not having a non-aligned foreign policy if Sri Lanka becomes the next Ukraine.
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Hawkeye Tuesday, 09 August 2022 02:47 AM
It is sad to see a lot of our readers do not understand the debt/ belligerent diplomacy of China and still look at India as a bully big-brother. If one hasn't learnt from what China is doing to Taiwan OR has done to peace loving Buddhist country (Tibet) -then you are indeed blind?
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RP Tuesday, 09 August 2022 02:59 AM
Take it easy China. if you practice what you preach then you have the right to ask this request. Your so called two state bogus promise to Hong Kong ended up in the dust. Intimidation of democratic Taiwan following the US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit is another blunder. Suppressing Uighurs and hapless Tibetean people is another and the list continues and now, asking India to stop disturbing? Hmmm....My two humble requests to China are, if you insist on sending your ships, please send aid ships full of Food, Medicine, Fuel but not "ORGANIC fertilizer" and please "STOP disturbing the peace" in the Indian Ocean!
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Sreekanth N Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:15 AM
China's obsession on India is the key reason it comes to India's neighbours, no good motive. Pak, Nepal, Bangladesh, Srilanka and othets all know that they might earn quick bucks in the short run from China, but a resilient and strong India is in the long term interest of this neighbourhood. Would Pakistanis like to be treated like Uighars? We all must reflect and think.
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Punchi Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:22 AM
I once had a conversation with an elderly Malaysian who as a school boy lived under Japanese occupation. He said initially they welcomed the Japanese. Soon the Japanese began to behave like barbarians and they wanted the British back. We will soon realise that China which has strategically engineered debt traps to bring us into its orbit are behaving like the Japanese (and no different to us) in their belief of their superiority and our inferiority. A scenario that some Africans are now experiencing.
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Anura Tuesday, 09 August 2022 05:44 AM
Chandran, You have given the proper treatment of the North Indians. I wish the Americans who have zero historical knowledge should read your comment then they would not give so much reverence to India.
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dara Tuesday, 09 August 2022 06:14 AM
After looted government treasury to the last dollar, government started going rounds to neighboring countries including Bangladesh for cash,without using robbed money they stole,China irritated by Indian loan,seeking stretch the muscle of power,so hesitated to send this ship making big global political imbalance,nice it happened during RW in power,who shortsightedly lease port to Chinese
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Its our business Tuesday, 09 August 2022 07:28 AM
Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation. We have all the rights to allow our friend China to send a ship or even have a military base in Kankesanthurai or Mannar.
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Jacoob rob live happily ever after Tuesday, 09 August 2022 07:38 AM
@Joseph, all knew this. But the stark reality is that it is easy to fill your pocket with Chinese aid without any reconciliation. Those who robbed are living happily ever after who cares about the country
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Sam1 Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:15 AM
China taking advantage of the current Sri Lankan economic situation by choosing this time to send a ship to spy on India's eastern and southern military and space assets. They can very refuel and replenish at Djibouti, their overseas base. Thank you Sri Lanka for your understanding. Long live Indo-Lanka brotherhood.
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Coo Mawatha Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:18 AM
@PhD student, La Trobe University, Australia. We go with a begging bowl to India. Seeking their generosity. Collect their USD 4 Billion. Feed our kith and kin. And then we tell India, oh you should have built toilets in India with that USD 4 Bn, not feed my kith and kin in Sri Lanka. You must have missed PhD lesson 101; gratitude and humility! What’s your PhD anyways? How to wipe the south end of a north bound camel? Hope you find a toilet near you to flush that PhD.
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WTH Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:19 AM
How would China react to an intelligence gathering ship of US arriving at a Taiwan port?
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Cherath Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:36 AM
So far no country nor UN could halt the Chinese juggernaut. They do what they please. China is claiming Taiwan, Hong Kong, at least 3 Philippine islands, port city Colombo, Hambantota and some territories in Africa. They put forward farcical historical claims. India on the other hand, have exercised bully boy tactics more than once with Sri Lanka, especially when the latter was led by JR who himself was a bully boy on the ordinary classes but a poodle at the sight of Ghandis and British royalty.
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Jagath nanayakkara Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:42 AM
This is because our back-born has been broken by ours Politicians. Both of they have started to control our country by hanging neck due to this economic crisis. Mainly, former Government should responsible to this situation.
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ganesh Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:59 AM
so can India send her surveillance ship to Taiwan?
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Jef Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:06 AM
Sri Lanka been trapped.....previous govments have taken massive loans that Will not settle or even pay interst for very long time a Banked crupt country got no say when it comes to issues that need diplomatic solutions china is super power nation our people should just play dum..get India to resolve. China have massive investments long leased properties and massive loans given to sri Lanka government we are very much under obligation to china than any other nation
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RH Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:12 AM
Chandran, we need someone like you to be our President. Ranil, Sajit , Namal , Sarath are dudes compared to your knowledge, and articulation of facts.
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XyZ Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:14 AM
@chandran before british there was much bigger empire named Maratha was present. Then northern - middle -western part was under Peshwas Today's Tamil population is native to India , srilanka. Sinhalese
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Ignatius Rasiah. Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:56 AM
Sri Lanka is going to get screwed soon. This is what happens when you borrow money from other countries. You are at their mercy. We ended up like this because of our rogue governments.
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Sisira Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:59 AM
Coo Mawatha, the filthy language you are using because you have no points to argue with the PhD student indicates that you must be an Indian even though you are pretending to be a Sri Lankan. Standard of living was much higher in Sri Lanka than in India, that is why you dirty Indians have sabotaged our economy.
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VJ Tuesday, 09 August 2022 01:26 PM
Ah, I see. Indians asked you to borrow money at high interest rates and build white elephants like Hambantota Port, Hambantota Airport , Lotus tower,Colombo port city, live beyond your means for a decade on borrowed money and bankrupt yourselves. Now shamelessly went with begging bowl to the only country that gave you oil, food, fertilizer for next crop and $4b and throw attitude. Please go back to the Chinese and be their servants, drivers, maids and send your women to work in their households and also serve their massage parlors and flesh pots. You guys deserve it.
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Spartacus Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:08 AM
Okay, in that case why is China not allowing even simple spiritual visit by Dalai Lama to Sri Lanka? Think twice China before making Statements.
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mahalingam Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:17 AM
Hey Chandran- when did SL have a better civilization than India- not before 800 years and not even after another 800 years. Peak of civilization -LOL can't see it even now, they need Indian money to survive
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MirakRajBanda Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:24 AM
Chinas's foreign policy itself defined as intimidation, provocation and debt traps. Leave Taiwan, Tibet and Xinxiang alone and come back to lecture the world. China is not welcome in Sri Lanka and simply to say, ''get out from our shores.....''.
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Stop it now. Stop it now, Stop it now Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:25 AM
We are Sri Lankans and I am an ex officer of our Army. It boils my blood when I read comments after comments all supporting India when the Chinese are coming to visit us the Sri Lankans. Daily Mirror you have to stop this “Indian propaganda operation” in your paper. All the comments are being written by your own staff working for the daily mirror. Stop it now !
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:46 AM
Hambantota port belongs to China, none have any say on it. Very soon, China will rule SriLanka.
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European Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:58 AM
To stop it now: you are right about one thing: I am commenting anonymously indeed and you will be surprised to know who I really am but I am not a DM editor and I am 100 % percent European. But you make me think: it is so very easy to post a fake comment. Why should I bother anymore? Everyone stay in their own bubble of what they want to hear or believe. From now on I will spend my time and energy in a positive way. Goodbye!
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Siva Shankar Tuesday, 09 August 2022 11:00 AM
Very Very True. Hindia is a crocodile fishing in the muddy water with tacit approval of Her western masters. "We are Sri Lankans and I am an ex officer of our Army. It boils my blood when I read comments after comments all supporting India when the Chinese are coming to visit us the Sri Lankans". All Sri Lankans should stand proud and support our nation. We will triumph for next 2500 years
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Lanka Shantha Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:10 PM
China asks America not to support Taiwan. China asks India not to support Sri Lanka. China asks all world not to support Ukraine while killing is continued by Russia. So China and Russia can capture most of the world and bring them under their rule..
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Anusha Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:37 PM
The comments here are so hilarious. We have been reduced to a nation of beggars. No other country was willing to help us and India stepped in to do so. Now look at the comments here already forgetting what has happened. Judging by our forgetful memories Rajapaksa will be back in power in the next election. We blame the politicians for everything, but actually the problem is all Sri Lankan's.
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Cam Kay Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:39 PM
Hi Siva Shankar- Going by what is happening in SL and how the Sinhalese treat Tamils, even after another 2,500 years the country will be at the same status. Sinhalese have hesitation in robbing Tamils by force of their properties and living in those properties with their families. If Sinhalese people respect and protect the right of Tamils, we can make the country like Singapore in no time.
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Menon Tuesday, 09 August 2022 12:41 PM
I strongly recommend Ranil the president of Sri Lanka to start a medical camp (Free) for all Lankan citizens holding National ID Card's before its too late, for the mental health after the Rajapaksha's looting. This should be carried out either in Angoda Hospital or nearest mental hospital. Hope Lanka has qualified Psychiatrists. Wishing all a great days ahead.
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Karalasingam Sivalingam Tuesday, 09 August 2022 01:13 PM
This is a Chinese country, no one has rights to question Chinese activities in SriLanka. The name of SriLanka would be changed very soon by China.
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Siva Shankar Tuesday, 09 August 2022 01:18 PM
With the solidarity of Global South and nations in similar situation SL should demand to waive the 50B as compensation for the pillage and plunder by the european colonist all these centuries. Its a matter of time before all other countries also default. The fake fiat dollar dominance will be over soon. BlackRock, Ashmore part of Sri Lanka's creditor group ahead of debt talks LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - Asset managers Blackrock Inc. (BLK.N) and Ashmore Group Plc. (ASHM.L) are among the top holders of Sri Lanka's international bonds that form part of a creditor group as markets prepare for a potential debt restructuring, a source said on Wednesday. The bondholder group, which hasn't been formally announced yet, holds more than 30% of country's foreign sovereign bonds, the source familiar with the situation told Reuters.
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Jayantha Tuesday, 09 August 2022 04:04 PM
You can see how aggressive China has become in Sri Lanka's internal issues! (Dictating terms to India and Sri Lanka) Sri Lanka is playing with fire!! By bringing in India's arch rival to the southern door step of India! Sri Lanka should not forget that India is its immediate neighbor just walking distance away unlike China! Sri Lanka with India has a strong Historical Relationship that China should be advised of!!!
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RP Tuesday, 09 August 2022 06:22 PM
Well, thanks to couple of intelligent DM readers, I learned today of India and it's North's history. Also, thanks to a budding/ignorant Australian Phd student, scarce of toilets. Very much appreciate these two intellectuals for sharing their vast knowledge in these fields!
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Jaffna Tamil Tuesday, 09 August 2022 06:25 PM
Jeyantha, Go to the Jaffna Teaching hospital to see the names of Doctors, Nurses, and Patients, all killed by “our neighbours psychotic Army”. Your comments are driving the Jaffna Tamils Livid.
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Mahendra Ramachandran Tuesday, 09 August 2022 07:43 PM
Chinas debt trap is well accounted for poor nations like pakistan to exploit them fully during crisis or against India. China didnt come for help during crisis in Srilanka Why ? Despite they encircled Small country like Taiwan and why at this point of time they are interested to dock spy ship ? Srilankans Indian friendship cant be weighted with money . Srilanka can take loans from IMF and worldbank to solve its problems orelse this chinese trap will be a major disaster for South Asia.
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Sunil Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:53 PM
Sri Lanka is in the middle of food, fuel and medicine shortage. It has also acknowledged help it received from India. A Chinese ship carrying food or fuel or medicines would have been ok but a Chinese satellite tracking ship, that also for refueling purpose , when Sri Lanka is itself short of the fuel does not make sense. Many people are saying the Chinese debt trap is not good for Sri Lanka either. The Sri Lankan government should have to set straight its priorities.
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B Brohier Tuesday, 09 August 2022 09:57 PM
I dont think this ship needs refueling, it probably is a nuclear powered ship... I am for respecting India's request to not allow the ship dock in Hambantota. People should remember that India was the only country that helped us when we were in dire straits. China on the other hand wanted to help us on their terms to gouge more money from us. Now they want us to allow this ship in! Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has angered china, I wonder why they are so concerned....Hypocrites!
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Suzuki Wednesday, 10 August 2022 01:38 AM
Sri Lanka is leading the life of a whore but still demanding a monument for its chastity. Loser
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Cam Kay Wednesday, 10 August 2022 01:44 AM
For Sunil: All what you say is right. However, in order to set straight the priorities, Sri Lankans have to first set straight those in power. Keep in Mind that the most corrupt Rajapakse’s are still in power. The only party the benefited out of the Chinese debts are Rajapakses. As it is, Sri Lankan people are suffering. The lender China is facing the risk of loosing their investment. They won’t get principal and interest. It is only Rajapakse family got everything what they need from the deals. They are running the country by proxy now and soon they will come back. Poor Aragalaya....expect some mass killings and disappearances soon!!
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Curious Wednesday, 10 August 2022 10:29 AM
@Chandran. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on history and civilizations. Now I understand that Mohamed Rafi and Kishore Kumar copied H.R.Jothipala's melodies.
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Amit Wednesday, 10 August 2022 12:44 PM
Maybe India can not invest that heavily in infra projects in Sri Lanka but one thing is sure, whenever Lankan people are in dire need of basics, India will unconditionally provide all basic necessities. Don't want to say anything about Chinese, as everyone knows what they are up to.
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