Phnom Penh, 6 August 2022 (TDI): China and Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Ali Sabry met in Phnom Penh, and both sides talked to strengthen their partnership.
In the meeting, Ali Sabry thanked the Chinese government for assisting in the difficult times in Sri Lanka. Sabry emphasized that Sri Lanka will continuously support the one-China principle and opposes all the actions of interfering in China’s internal affairs and creating tension in the region.
During talks w/🇨🇳FM #WangYi, 🇱🇰FM #Sabry thanked #Chinese govt&people for timely assistance to #SriLanka in times of difficulty, stressed #SriLanka firmly adheres to the one-#China principle & opposes any action that interferes in #China‘s internal affairs & stokes tensions. pic.twitter.com/b3j3AyShyY
— Ji Rong嵇蓉 (@JiRongMFA) August 5, 2022
China and Sri Lanka’s relations
Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China were established in 1957. Therefore, China always supports Sri Lanka at the international forum. China is the largest bilateral creditor and trade partner of Sri Lanka.
China has given Sri Lanka humanitarian aid of US$74 million since it entered a full-fledged economic crisis. In Phnom Penh, during the meeting, both countries enjoyed long-lasting and traditional friendships.
China-Sri Lanka partnerships
Wang Yi said that the Chinese people and government have sent repeated cargos of urgent humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka in an economic crisis. China will, therefore, keep doing so through bilateral and multilateral networks.
Wang believes that Sri Lanka’s new administration would bring the country’s people together. The new government will guide people through their challenges and put the nation back on the path to progress.
China fully supports Sri Lanka in preserving its national sovereignty and independence. It also helps Sri Lanka to find a consultative solution to its debt issue, uphold continuity in policy, and achieve social stability and economic recovery.
Yi stated that history has shown and would continue to show that China will not act in any way to harm Sri Lanka and will always remain a trustworthy friend.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister thanked for the support of China in its difficult time. Sabry also said the countries have a particular and long-standing bilateral relationship. They also have always trusted and supported one another.
Sabry emphasized that China only accounts for 10% of Sri Lanka’s external debt in response to the so-called “debt trap” argument.
Sri Lanka would not have progressed at all without China’s assistance. Sri Lanka also protects the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.
