The Chinese defence ministry said there was nothing “unusual” about its decision to dock submarines in Colombo, after Sri Lanka opened its port to China, despite Indian reservations, reported the Times of India.
The second docking of a Chinese submarine within two months comes despite India raising “serious concerns” to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, during his visit in October.
China said "there is nothing unusual for naval vessels to dock at Colombo port despite concerns raised by India".
"It is an international common practice for navy submarine to stop for refueling and crew refreshment at an oversea port," a Chinese defence ministry official said, suggesting that India was more perturbed about China's "warming relations" with Sri Lanka than the submarines.
The ministry quoted Sri Lankan navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya in their statement, indicating that a coordinated response was agreed.
"This is nothing unusual. Since 2010, 230 warships have called at Colombo port from various countries on goodwill visits and for refueling and crew refreshment," the Chinese quoted Warnakulasuriya in their statement.
India concerned at China's presence in Sri Lanka (25 October 2014)
‘We will never compromise on India’s national security’ – Sri Lanka (27 October 2014)