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Trump is focused on Mexico, not China: Ranil

19 January 2017 05:26 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Tensions between the U.S. and China are unlikely to escalate into a global trade war, even as geopolitical friction intensifies across Asia, Sri Lanka’s prime minister said.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said President-elect Donald Trump’s election pledge to bring back jobs and revive U.S. manufacturing has more to do with Mexico than with China.

"I can’t see a major trade war," Wickremesinghe said in an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "Modern China is partly a creation of the U.S. And these are interdependent economies. So what do you do?"

"He may impose some restrictions, maybe nominally, but the Chinese have also said they will not allow any unilateral action by USA," he added. "There may be discussions on how the deficit can be narrowed to the U.S. advantage. This may be the initial negotiating position. But I can’t see how they can go beyond it."

Wickremesinghe said the continued expansion of the Asia’s middle class presents a huge opportunity for global investors. Chinese investments will help Sri Lanka’s $82 billion economy expand at the fastest pace since 2012, the central bank said recently.

At the same time, Wickremesinghe said, China, India and Japan are trying to maintain their own spheres of influence in the region.

"There will be some friction as they try to assert themselves, each one having their own area of influence. This will be more acute in the case of China and Japan, who are next to each other," Wickremesinghe said.

There is also tension between China and India, he said, but this is unlikely to lead to conflict because India is focused on domestic economic reforms.

"India is also trying to identify a role for itself in the region, they don’t want to be challenged by others," Wickremesinghe said. "We expect this to go on for some time, but it is not going to break out into a war."

Wickremesinghe said his country was busy trying to expand and deepen an existing trade agreement with India, Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, to include various services. He said he has told China that Sri Lanka values its relationship with India.

Referring to Indonesia’s anger over a bearish call on Indonesian equities from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wickremesinghe said large Asian economies such as China, India and Indonesia were now using their new economic clout to push back against western banks.

Indonesia’s government had said it terminated all business relationships with the bank after the release of a November research report that Jakarta labeled not "accurate or credible." JPMorgan reversed its call in a January report.

"It’s a decision of the Asian countries, just using their new clout because they feel that a lot of this is being owned out there in the west, and it can be unfair to them," he said. "You’re going to see it more." Wickremesinghe noted smaller countries like Sri Lanka would not take such action.

Sri Lanka is also on track to sell a $1.1 billion stake in a major port to China despite protests opposing the project. Wickremesinghe said details of the Hambantota port project will be presented to parliament in February -- it is then the total amount of land for the port’s surrounding economic and industrial zone would be finalized.

"That should come through. I can’t see any major impediments," he said.

There have been protests against the deal in recent months, as local villagers and Buddhist monks clash with government supporters over the port and a surrounding economic zone.

Wickremesinghe downplayed geopolitical concerns about China’s investment in physical port infrastructure in India’s backyard, noting that Sri Lanka’s defense ministry and navy have responsibility for protecting the site.

"As far as security aspects are concerned, that is ours," he said. "It’s open for anyone to come and invest commercially."


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  Comments - 13

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  • Mr bean Thursday, 19 January 2017 06:29 PM

    Of course Dumb Trump has no power to assault China. If China stop pumping money to USA, then what will happen to USA?

    Asanka Thursday, 19 January 2017 06:46 PM

    Prime Minister is putting Sri Lanka in a very unfavorable position, in the cross-hairs of Trump. Prime Minister pandering to china and stepping on US toes, Prime Minister should keep his wisecracking to Sri Lankan parliament and stay the hell-out of global power struggles.

    Sid Thursday, 19 January 2017 07:07 PM

    Please focus on Srilanka first without speculating unwanted things

    Madiya Thursday, 19 January 2017 07:12 PM

    As Trump himself does not know what is talking about, RW is the Pythagorus of International Politics. So nice we have such a great leader.

    concern Thursday, 19 January 2017 08:57 PM

    Breaking news!P.M. has been appointed as Trump private secretary!

    Missaka Friday, 20 January 2017 08:07 AM

    You can focus on Sri Lanka, don't think about US or Trump.

    BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 20 January 2017 09:23 AM

    First try to comment and sort out issues that require urgent attention in Sri Lanka. This is what you have been appointed for and not for commenting on issues that involves the status of other countries.

    Double Game Player Friday, 20 January 2017 09:45 AM

    knows very well to act and react in accordance with all situation

    Appuwa Friday, 20 January 2017 12:05 PM

    Think about how you can produce your sugar and milk powder in SL, immediately disclose bank bond scams, and don't delay LG polls!

    Shelly. Friday, 20 January 2017 01:40 PM

    A man with international standing. No Sri Lankan can match him. via DM Android App

    neilpriyath Friday, 20 January 2017 01:41 PM

    He has to answer the question refereed to him. Some really don't like to appreciate our consummate leaders. Typical Sri Lankan mentality.

    He he Friday, 20 January 2017 01:56 PM

    From your actions i know that you might want to sell the country to some forign power and make way for you to get the Nobel Prize!Please as the coutry's prime minister have some personality with out betraying my country!

    Harry Sunday, 22 January 2017 01:17 AM

    ..would it be Monica's role??


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