China says support to SL comes sans political strings

China this week welcomed Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Sabry’s rebuttal of the narrative of the so-called Chinese “debt trap” in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian reiterated that China’s assistance to Sri Lanka never comes with any political strings attached, and China never seeks any selfish political gains from its investment and financing in Sri Lanka.

“China fully relates to the difficulties and challenges faced by Sri Lanka and supports relevant financial institutions in discussing with Sri Lanka and properly resolving them. We have all along provided support to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic development as long as our ability permits,” Zhao was quoted as saying by Xinhua.  This year marks the 65th Anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, and the 70th Anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact, Zhao said, noting that it is of great significance in building on past achievements and working for fresh progress.

China will work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, cement strategic mutual trust, deepen and expand practical cooperation, and consolidate and expand the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership to better deliver benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, he stressed.