report in Daily FT, Oct 21, 2023
—President Wickremesinghe finally meets Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing
——-Xi assures China will continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka without any political strings attached
————Wickremesinghe shares vision to set up maritime economic corridor linking China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and South Africa;
In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Xi Jinping yesterday extended China’s unwavering commitment to aiding Sri Lanka in achieving economic stability and progress, devoid of any political agenda.
This gesture was made during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People Beijing with President Ranil Wickremesinghe who was on a four-day official visit to China attending the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. It was also the first Presidential-level meeting since Wickremesinghe assumed office 14 months ago. China is the largest lender for Sri Lanka apart from being the biggest investor and the second biggest source for imports.
“China will continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka without any political strings attached and help the country cope with difficulties concerning its society and people’s livelihood,” Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
Xi also said China and Sri Lanka should “strengthen collaboration on international and regional affairs, oppose politicisation of the human rights issue and block confrontation, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and developing countries,” Xi said.
Xinhua also said Xi had expressed China’s willingness “to import more quality and specialty products from Sri Lanka’, and encourage “Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country”, so as to help Sri Lanka transform and upgrade its economy and achieve sustainable development. Xi added that “China is glad to see Sri Lanka becoming a commercial centre in the Indian Ocean.”
Xi acknowledged that Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative and China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka “to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and push for new progress” in developing China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and lasting friendship. Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
The President Media Division (PMD) in its communique said the Chinese President acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, delivered by President Wickremesinghe, reflected the country’s strategic independence and its neutral stance.
During the discussions, President Xi reaffirmed China’s adherence to the “One China” policy and conveyed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s support for the “Belt and Road” initiative. He underscored the port city and Hambantota port as pivotal projects within this framework, pledging to boost imports of Sri Lankan goods to China and amplify investments in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, he affirmed China’s intent to provide supportive, practical, and timely assistance for Sri Lanka’s debt optimisation program.
Touching on the historical ties between China and Sri Lanka, President Jinping referenced travel accounts by the Faxian monk and Zheng He, the PMD communique said.
It said in response, President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for China’s longstanding support to Sri Lanka and commended President Xi Jinping for his consistently friendly attitude towards Sri Lanka.
Wickremesinghe also unveiled Sri Lanka’s vision to establish a maritime economic corridor linking China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. Acknowledging the challenges inherent in such a venture, President Jinping encouraged Sri Lanka to take the lead.
The conversation underscored the pivotal role of Sri Lanka as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean region, with President Wickremesinghe reaffirming the country’s commitment to preserving peace and the identity of the region.
He advocated for collaborative efforts between India and China to propel development in Asia.
PMD said President Wickremesinghe further revealed Sri Lanka’s aspiration to attain developed status by 2048, citing the robust foundation laid by the eight-step program unveiled at the third “Belt and Road” forum for International Cooperation.
He informed the Chinese President about plans to construct a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple and stupa in commemoration of the visit of Faxian monk to Sri Lanka and President Xi Jinping expressed China’s support for these activities.
Additionally, the leaders delved into discussions concerning the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Notable figures present at the event included Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry PC, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and President’s Private Secretary Sandra Perera.
https://www.ft.lk/top-story/China-renews-support-for-Sri-Lanka/26-754334
