On November 28, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked: A few days ago, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Sabri said that China respects Sri Lanka's request and has never forced Sri Lanka to borrow money. China has provided a lot of financial support and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in different ways. The "debt trap" is just a Western narrative.
Sabri also said that China has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka, and the two sides also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the signing of the "Rice Rubber Agreement" this year.
What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian said that we welcome Foreign Minister Sabri's statement, which is a strong rebuttal to the hype that China has set up a so-called "debt trap" in Sri Lanka for some time.
I would like to reiterate that China never attaches any political strings to its aid to Sri Lanka, and never seeks any political self-interest in its investment and financing in Sri Lanka.
China empathizes with the difficulties and challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing, and supports relevant financial institutions in negotiating with Sri Lanka to properly resolve the issue.
We have also been providing assistance to Sri Lanka's economic and social development within our capacity.
Zhao Lijian emphasized that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the "Rice Rubber Agreement", which is of great significance in inheriting the past and ushering in the future.
China is willing to carry forward traditional friendship with Sri Lanka, consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen and expand practical cooperation, consolidate and expand China-Sri Lanka strategic partnership, and better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.
Responsible editor: [Luo Pan]