An official has denied speculation that a submarine that docked in Sri Lanka is a sign of China's power projection in the Indian Ocean.

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At a regular press conference on Sept 25, Geng Yansheng, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said the submarine visited Sri Lanka's Colombo port on Sept 15 for a routine port call. Geng said the submarine was on an escort mission to the Gulf of Aden and Somalia.

The visit has triggered speculation that the Chinese Navy wants to boost its strength in the Indian Ocean.

Geng clarified that it was a regular port call for replenishment of supplies and was a common practice for navies of all countries.

It was the first time a Chinese submarine had openly visited a nation in the Indian Ocean.