Colombo, 19 August 2022 (TDI): China’s space-tracking ship Yuan Wang-5 has docked at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port. It is a key cooperation project between China and Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
#YuanWang5 docking at #SriLanka‘s #hambantotaport which is a key cooperation project between #China and Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Initiative. @PDChina pic.twitter.com/Xha2e9aCXQ
— libijian李碧建 (@libijian2) August 18, 2022
The vessel Yuan Wang-5 is a Research Vessel built in 2007 and currently sailing under the flag of China. Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong on Tuesday welcomed the ship at the port together with officials from the Sri Lankan government and Chinese business leaders.
The Chinese Ambassador said that China’s space-tracking ship Yuan Wang-5’s arrival after more than 30 days at sea. It shows a deep and persistent relationship between China and Sri Lanka.
The representative of the Sri Lankan president, Sarath Weerasekera, stated that the two states have a long history of good connections. He hoped that Yuan Wang-5’s call on Sri Lanka would serve to solidify and enhance those ties.
Liu Enhuai, Chief Executive officer of the Hambantota International Port Group and Chief Representative of the China Merchants Group in Sri Lanka, also welcomed everyone.
They stated that as an international gateway port, the Hambantota port has always welcomed ships from all nations. It is also committed to offering professional services to ships of all countries.
Remarks by Captain of Yuan Wang-5
The captain of the space tracking ship Zhang Hongwang said Yuan Wang-5 is on a maritime tracking mission with the long-term control task for Wentian which is a lab module of China’s space station. Yuan Wang 5 is a ship on a mission of peace and friendship.
Moreover, he added that the Hambantota International Port will provide Sri Lanka with necessary ship supplies under international practice. The ship will also improve communication between Sri Lanka and China.
The collaboration improves in the area of space science and technology and advances both countries’ space industries together. Additionally, it will strengthen relations between China and Sri Lanka and foster an even greater affinity between the two countries people.
