Mystery over Chinese ‘spy’ vessel Yuan Wang 5 continues 

The Chinese analysis and survey vessel that departed on July 13 from Jiangyin, China, for the Hambantota port of Sri Lanka, continues to be surrounded with thriller. According to open-source maritime knowledge, the alleged ‘spy’ ship modified its observe not less than 3 times over previous three days, although it continued to be destined to dock on the Sri Lankan port.

Earlier media stories recommended that the docking of Yuan Wang 5 was deferred following objections from India. According to Chinese state affiliated publication Global Times, the vessel was transferring to Sri Lanka “for refueling and replenishment” and “was asked by the Sri Lankan government to indefinitely postpone the arrangement under the pressure of India.”

However, one other China affiliated Sri Lankan consulting agency, Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka, stated that the aim of the vessel was to “conduct space tracking, satellite control and research tracking in the north-western part of the Indian Ocean region through August and September”.

The timing of the ship’s voyage to Sri Lanka following the political disaster within the island nation is one more reason for suspicion. According to a US protection division report, these sorts of ships are operated by the Strategic Support Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). According to a Reuters report, “commercial activities in the port were handed to a Chinese company in 2017 on a 99-year lease after the Sri Lankan government could not repay its debt.”

Path of Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5.

Hambantota port (Image credit: Google Earth)

Several common Open-Source Intelligence accounts have been monitoring the current place of the vessel since its voyage started final month.

UPDATE – YUAN WANG 5 #China’s army analysis ship seems to have altered it course, nonetheless its vacation spot port stays Hambantota, #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/z8KtYiDTXf

— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) August 10, 2022

The present observe of the vessel as recorded by Norway-based business maritime intelligence firm Maritime Optima reveals that regardless of preliminary turns, YW5 continued its route in direction of the Hambantota port as on August 11. YW5 stood roughly 638 nautical miles away from the port.

“The government carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on India’s security and economic interests, and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, informed reporters at a press convention in New Delhi.

The Yuan Wang 5 diverting its course again to Hambantota Port (Image Credits: ShipAtlas)

Yuan Wang 5 is the third-generation scientific analysis ship of Yuan Wang collection, owned by the PLA. It entered service on September 29, 2007. Built by Jiangnan Shipyard, the credit score of its design goes to the 701st Institute of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). China’s YW collection (the category of ship that Yuan Wang 5 is in) area monitoring ships are additionally concerned in supporting the manned area programme, such because the Shenzhou-13 mission final October.

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