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Added on the 14/01/2020 13:02:30 - Copyright : AFP EN
Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 arrives in Sri Lanka, entering the port of Colombo a year after a similar port call by a spacecraft-tracking vessel raised security concerns from neighbouring India. New Delhi is suspicious of China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed halfway along key east-west international shipping routes. IMAGES
China sends three astronauts to its Tiangong space station, putting a civilian scientist into space for the first time. IMAGES
Images from an arrival hall at an international airport in Shanghai as China starts issuing a range of visas to foreigners again. The move marks the latest step towards reopening China to the outside world, as Beijing breaks with the strict zero-Covid strategy that defined its pandemic response until a few months ago. IMAGES
Images show the motorcade of Sri Lanka's deposed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the airport in Colombo, as he returns to the country seven weeks after he fled amid the island's worst-ever economic crisis. IMAGES
A Chinese research vessel enters Sri Lanka's Chinese-run southern port of Hambantota despite concerns from India and the United States about its activities. The Yuan Wang 5 entered the port after securing permission to enter Sri Lankan waters on condition it will not engage in any research. The Indian government has lodged a complaint with Colombo over fears the ship could spy on its activities, and the United States has also expressed concern. IMAGES
Sri Lankan protesters dance and chant slogans in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He submitted his resignation shortly after reaching Singapore, the parliamentary speaker's office said, days after the head of state fled protests triggered by his country's worst-ever economic crisis. IMAGES