Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has refused entry to a Chinese research vessel intending to explore its territorial waters, including the Sea of Sri Lanka.
China sought permission for another research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, to conduct research in the Indian Ocean region, but India has strongly objected to its activities.
The vessel, accused of using scientific exploration as a cover for intelligence gathering, is off the coast of Xiamen in the South China Sea and plans to travel via Malacca to Sri Lanka and the Maldives after obtaining permission.
The situation is complicated by political changes in the Maldives.
