China last week delivered ‘Tan Suo San Hao’ (Exploration No. 3) in Guangdong Province. It is China’s first comprehensive scientific research ship specially made for global deep sea exploration with manned deep diving capabilities. The 104 meter long ship has a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes & an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles. Manned by a crew of 80 it’s equipped with two direction ice breaking capabilities at both the bow & stern enabling research in the polar regions as well. The ‘Tan Suo San Hao’ is expected to expand China's manned deep diving capability enhancing its deep sea archaeological operation capability (Ref. Guangzhou Shipyard International Co). The Chinese Navy Hospital Ship ‘Peace Ark’ which was in Colombo few weeks ago is utilized to help developing countries during medical emergencies. Similarly China is expected to assist developing countries such as Sri Lanka with these new vessels to enhance economic activity by harnessing more ocean resources.

The ban lifts.

In August 2022 Chinese research vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ arrived in Hambantota attracting unprecedented attention. Later Sri Lankan government imposed a one year ban on all research vessels to ensure regional support to ventilate the economy which crashed in 2022. Accordingly the ban is expected to be lifted on 31^st December 2024 & Sri Lanka is expected entertain all research vessels as per a SOP (Standard Operation Procedure). It will help attract more ships even turning Ex President Mahinda’s white elephant ‘Hambantota port’ into a black working elephant.

When Qin Boyong (Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference - CPPCC) met President AKD, she had discussed Chinese plans to resume maritime research in 2025 (Ref. Media). It may help economic restructuring directly especially if more Chinese investors can be attracted to the Hambantota investment zone. Such developments will connect Sri Lanka faster with international trade through the Belt & Road Initiative. However, centuries old diplomatic tactics of ‘Keerthi Wijayabahu’ (not the JVP commander of 1980s) may have to be analyzed, modernized & implemented to be safe in 2025 as India must be observing the Chinese comments made just 48 hours after India expressed views on Chinese research vessels.

‘Shikra’ & the ‘Indian Pitta’.

After ‘Yuan Wang 5’, ‘Shi Yan 6’ arrived at the Colombo port & conducted ‘geophysical scientific research’ with the National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA) (Ref. Media). Though security concerns were raised nothing was ever reported. However, the jet powered target drone ‘Shikra’ found in the sea in Trincomalee & the drone which came from Odisha few years ago (Ref. Media) may be giving signals different to the sounds of the Indian Pitta (migratory bird). President AKD should be updated on how LKY of Singapore traded with China while facing western pressure. He must never miss Chinese trade support for conflict prevention in Sri Lanka as they have historically helped prevent / reduce Sri Lankan conflicts. In the current context evils may attempt to provoke conflicts with elephants, monkeys & even weevils etc. Discussing trade & economic development with the Chinese may not be uncomfortable as Beijing has entertained him more than Delhi during the decades.

(Views expressed are personal).

(Photos: Tan Suo San Hao & Shikra - source www).