A spokesman of the Chinese Defence Ministry has rejected and dismissed Indian media reports of Beijing establishing naval bases in the Indian Ocean area, including in Sri Lanka.
Senior Colonel Geng Yansheng told a media briefing in Beijing on Thursday that the Indian media reports suggesting that China is extending its military strength to Indian Ocean region after two occurrences of a Chinese submarine docking in Sri Lanka's Colombo Port, were inaccurate.
The military spokesman, according to the Lanka Page web site, further stated that a Chinese naval submarine together with the Chinese naval escort task force had gone to the Gulf of Aden and into waters off the Somali coast to perform escort missions.
On its way back, the submarine had made a technical docking in Sri Lanka twice, he added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app