In Sri Lanka, the 56-year-old Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has won the presidential election. On Monday, he took the oath of office. China is extremely pleased with the victory of a leftist leader in Sri Lanka's presidential election. Chinese experts are already jubilant, suggesting that Dissanayake's rise to power will reduce Sri Lanka's dependence on India. They believe Dissanayake's leadership will strengthen China's relationship with Sri Lanka and accelerate the 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI).
The 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI) is an ambitious project by Chinese President Xi Jinping, under which many projects are underway in Sri Lanka. China has been accused of using this project to heavily invest in developing countries, placing them in a debt trap.
During Sri Lanka's economic and political crisis in 2022, there were voices within the country protesting against China's BRI. However, with the recent change in power, and Anura Kumar Dissanayake of the National People's Power (NPP) being elected as the new president, China is hopeful for stronger ties and rapid progress on BRI projects.
On Dissanayake's victory, China's state-run newspaper Global Times published an article where several Chinese experts said that Dissanayake's rise would further solidify China-Sri Lanka relations.
Qian Feng, Director of the Research Department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, said through Global Times, 'With the new government in Sri Lanka, there is hope for improved relations between the two countries. This is because Dissanayake's party ideology aligns with China, and values the relationship with China.'
Source: aajtak
In Global Times' report, it was mentioned that Sri Lanka's new president would lessen the country's reliance on India and forge stronger ties with China.
Experts wrote, 'The new Sri Lankan government will maintain a balanced stance with both India and China, but there is a possibility that the new president will reduce dependence on India and adopt a more practical, friendly approach aligning with China's development strategy.'
The Global Times concluded by stating, 'The new Sri Lankan government will prioritize economic development and improving the livelihood of its people during the economic recovery. This indicates great potential in China-Sri Lanka relations as China views Sri Lanka as a key country in the BRI. Investments in infrastructure projects like ports have benefited the people of Sri Lanka.'
What Did Dissanayake's Party Spokesperson Say About Relations with India and China?
The new Sri Lankan government faces a substantial challenge in balancing relations with India and China. Although there are speculations that the new government may tilt towards China, the party has assured that it will avoid geopolitical rivalries.
Bimal Ratnayake, spokesperson for Dissanayake's NPP party, told news agency AFP, 'Sri Lanka's land will not be used against any country. We are fully aware of our region's geopolitical situation, but we will not be a part of it.'
