China has donated various military explosive disposal and protection equipment to Sri Lanka, and the Chinese Ambassador to Colombo was in attendance.
The Defense Post reports that the donation includes 18 REOD 4000 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) medium robots, ten anti-explosive blankets, and ten explosion protection tanks.
China and India are racing to build a presence in Sri Lanka. China sees Sri Lanka’s close proximity to the Indian southern coastline as an opportunity for surveillance and, most likely, deterrence through military presence.
In January 2024, AP News reported that Sri Lanka declared a moratorium on foreign research ships following the reactions from India, concerned with possible espionage and surveillance activities from China towards Chinese research ships.
Sri Lanka previously borrowed from China financially to build seaports, airports, and cities. After the failure of the projects, the country leased a seaport to China.
China Donates Explosive Disposal Equipment to Sri Lanka
