COLOMBO – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian has welcomed Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s strong rebuttal to the narrative about the so-called Chinese “debt trap” in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to reporters on Monday (28), he reiterated that China’s assistance to Sri Lanka is never attached with any political strings, and it never seeks any selfish political gains in China’s 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,: he added.
“This year marks the 65th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations, and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact. It is of great significance of 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 China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership to better deliver benefits to the two countries and the two peoples,” he also noted.