In a high-profile meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath committed to elevating their countries’ strategic cooperative partnership to new heights. Against the backdrop of Southeast Asia’s dynamic shift, both sides highlighted a shared vision of friendship and mutual growth.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasised that China is poised to work hand in hand with Sri Lanka to:
- Deepen high-quality Belt and Road collaboration
- Fast-track negotiations on a China–Sri Lanka free trade agreement
- Launch new growth engines in green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy
- Advance flagship initiatives such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port
"Our maritime cooperation is built on mutual benefit and is not aimed at any third party," Wang said, warning that the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy" risks provoking divisions and coercing nations into camps—an approach he called out as out of step with regional aspirations.
Responding to these remarks, Minister Herath reiterated Sri Lanka’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and praised the tangible benefits bilateral projects have brought to communities across Sri Lanka. She affirmed that Colombo will bolster practical cooperation with China in trade, investment, infrastructure and ocean affairs, further cementing their strategic partnership.
As both nations embark on this renewed phase of collaboration, young entrepreneurs, policy makers and global citizens will be watching closely to see how these mega-projects and green-tech initiatives reshape economic landscapes and drive sustainable growth across the region.
Reference(s):
China, Sri Lanka FMs vow to deepen strategic cooperative partnership
cgtn.com
