Chinese ships arrive in Sri Lanka

International Desk: Sri Lanka allows controversial Chinese ship to anchor despite India's concerns over security issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka said that the Chinese ship will arrive at the port of Hambantota on the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Tuesday. China claims the Yuan Wang 5 ship as a research and survey vessel. But according to Indian media, it will be used by the Chinese for espionage purposes. Al-Jazeera reported that the ship will be in Hambantota port from October 16 to 22. Sri Lanka is in the midst of its worst economic crisis since independence. The bankrupt country is suffering from severe energy and economic crisis due to loss of foreign reserves. Former President Gotabaya Rajapakse fled the country after months of protests against the economic crisis. He was later replaced by Ranil Wickramasinghe. Meanwhile, both China and India are trying to expand their influence in Sri Lanka. India has given more aid to Sri Lanka than any other country this year. However, they fear that arch-rival China wants to use the Hambantota port to build a military base.