Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger China-Sri Lanka Ties Amid “Historical Opportunity”

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted a “historical opportunity” to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing. Xi called for a deepened partnership, emphasizing the importance of building a “China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future,” according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The talks focused on fostering strategic cooperation under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure program in which Sri Lanka plays a significant role. Xi pledged to “actively support Sri Lanka in focusing on economic development and promoting high-quality cooperation.” He also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in addressing climate change, promoting the unity of the Global South, and contributing to regional peace and prosperity.

Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake came to power in September and has sought to strengthen relations with major global powers. His visit to Beijing follows a high-profile trip to India in December, where he received a red-carpet welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The strategic location of Sri Lanka, situated along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, has made it a focal point for influence in the Indian Ocean region, where China and India are key players. However, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, which led to a default on foreign debt, raised questions about the country’s reliance on Chinese investments.

In 2017, Sri Lanka handed over control of the Hambantota Port to a Chinese company on a 99-year lease after being unable to repay loans, fueling concerns about Beijing’s growing influence through infrastructure projects. Despite this, China remains one of Sri Lanka’s largest creditors, accounting for more than half of its bilateral debt at the time of the economic crash.

Xi’s remarks signal China’s continued interest in deepening ties with Sri Lanka, particularly as part of its broader strategy in the Indian Ocean. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration for mutual economic growth and regional stability.