China News Service, Beijing, August 16 (Reporter Huang Yuqin Zhang Su) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin hosted a regular press conference on August 16.

　　A reporter asked: Recently, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Sri Lankan government officially approved the Chinese scientific research ship Yuanwang 5 to dock at Hambantota Port for supplies from August 16 to 22.

According to reports, on the 16th, the scientific research ship Yuanwang 5 successfully berthed.

Can China confirm this?

　　Wang Wenbin: You are right.

At noon on the 16th, Beijing time, with the active cooperation of Sri Lanka, the Chinese research ship Yuanwang 5 has successfully berthed at the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong presided over the welcome ceremony at the scene. President of Sri Lanka, on behalf of Senator Villa Sekara, as well as more than ten party chairmen and heads of friendly groups attended the ceremony.

The national anthems of China and Sri Lanka were played on the spot, and the Sri Lankan people danced enthusiastically on the red carpet. The atmosphere was friendly and the response was warm.

After entering the port, the research ship Yuanwang 5 will take some time to complete the necessary supplies.

　　China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors, and the two countries are committed to all-round and multi-field mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation.

Over the years, the two countries have maintained close cooperation in the field of marine scientific research.

China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

　　I would like to stress once again that the marine scientific research activities carried out by the Yuanwang-5 scientific research vessel are in line with international law and common international practice, and will not affect the security and economic interests of any country, and should not be interfered by a third party.

(Finish)