By Shihar Aneez

ECONOMYNEXT –China is planning to start its maritime research in the Indian Ocean, a top Beijing government official said, as a temporary one-year ban imposed due to strong Indian protests comes to an end in January 2025.

Sri Lanka’s previous government has imposed a temporary one-year ban on all foreign research vessels visiting Sri Lanka for research purposes. The move came in December last year after strong security concerns raised by India on Chinese research vessels.

Qin Boyong, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) discussed the plans to resume maritime research when she met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (18).

During the meeting, President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of completing the unfinished sections of the Central Expressway under Chinese management and expressed hopes to expedite the commencement of supply hubs and institutional projects centered around the Colombo Port City and Hambantota District, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

“Ms. Qin Boyong stated that there are plans to restart maritime research activities, which were temporarily halted for various reasons, along with initiating relevant projects,” the PMD said.

“Furthermore, she mentioned that Chinese companies intend to establish themselves in the Hambantota investment zone, aiming to provide Sri Lanka with better global access.”

“She also revealed that preparations are underway to warmly welcome President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his future visit to China.”

China’s comments on resuming maritime research activities in the Indian Ocean comes two days after the Indian government expressed confidence in Sri Lanka of giving due care for the security concerns over the visits of Chinese research vessels.

Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri on Monday (16) said India’s understanding was that the Sri Lanka government is looking at the issue and there are a number of considerations Sri Lanka needs to take into account while India has highlighted their perspectives including the role that India plays in maritime security, maritime research.

The Foreign Secretary’s comments came during a media briefing after Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a three-day official visit.