China asserted it will not interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and will work with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his new administration.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said that China and Sri Lanka are traditional friends and close neighbors.
“We stand ready to work with President Dissanayake and his new administration to uphold the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, forge greater synergy between our development strategies, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strive for new progress in our strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said at a media briefing.
He said that as Sri Lanka’s friendly neighbor, China hopes to see the stability and development of Sri Lanka.
“China is ready to play a constructive role in Sri Lanka’s steady economic and social development under the principle of non-interference in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and with respect for Sri Lanka’s will,” the spokesperson added.
He said that as Sri Lanka’s friendly neighbor, China and Sri Lanka have all along treated each other with mutual respect and support.
“We hope that Sri Lanka will continue to enjoy national stability and development. We stand ready to play a constructive role for Sri Lanka’s steady economic and social development under the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and with respect for Sri Lanka’s will,” the spokesperson said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the world leaders who congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake on being elected Sri Lanka’s new President.