In a new development, scientists from Sri Lanka and China are conducting joint “marine scientific” activities on board a Chinese research vessel, a senior official said Tuesday. The Chinese ship ‘Shi Yan 6’ arrived at the Colombo port last week. Initially, Sri Lanka had only allowed the vessel to dock in the country’s western waters until October 28.
According to a source, the researchers are going to conduct marine scientific research in various locations along the western coast of the island. They will study the temperature of seawater, conditions of sea waves, and their effect on fish, climate change, and different levels of seawater. They will also collect seabed samples to analyze its structure and biodiversity. The research is expected to be completed in the coming days.
The research will be carried out based on a protocol between the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) of Sri Lanka and the China Marine Science and Technology Center. Four NARA officials and two Navy officers will accompany the research team. The ship will return to Colombo off western waters after completion of the research, the official added.
China has been deploying its naval assets in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea to assert its influence in the region, contested by several countries, including India. However, the US and India have been urging China to pursue a peaceful settlement of the maritime dispute. The US has also urged Beijing to honor its commitment to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This conference was held in Colombo and brought delegates from several countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The event’s goal was to explore opportunities for future collaboration in marine scientific research and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and mitigation of the effects of climate change.
The experts discussed the state of affairs in the South China Sea, highlighting the need to promote a healthy and stable maritime order. They called for the adherence to the principles of international law in managing marine scientific research in the area. They also highlighted the importance of promoting cooperation between States in the area.
The participants discussed the need to develop a system for monitoring the damage done to offshore reefs in the SCS and also for establishing joint maritime laboratories to carry out scientific research. They also stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in marine chemistry, biology, and ecology. They also emphasized the importance of implementing Article 123 of the UNCLOS, which calls for States to cooperate in marine scientific research. They also agreed to set up a joint research program in biodiversity conservation, climate change, and disaster prevention in the SCS. The experts also agreed to hold workshops and training courses for different institutions in the AMS on international practices of marine scientific research.
