China increase aid, to gain influence - report

7 July 2011 10:46 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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China, seeking to gain influence in the Indian Ocean , has reportedly increased its aid to Sri Lanka dramatically since 2005, a US Congressional report has said.

"In the view of some analysts and observers, China is seeking to gain influence with the Sri Lankan government as part of a 'string of pearls' naval strategy to develop port access in the northern reaches of the Indian Ocean," said the report by bi-partisan and Congressional Research Service.

Indian defence planners are reportedly particularly concerned with Chinese efforts to develop ports in the region, the eight-page rare report on Sri Lanka said.

China is reportedly investing significantly in the development of a port in Hambantota in Sri Lanka on the country's southeastern coast.

"China is also reportedly helping to develop port facilities in Gwadar, Pakistan; Chittagong, Bangladesh; and Sittwe, Burma. Colombo was also reportedly upset with Western calls for a truce in the lead up to their defeat of the LTTE in May 2009," the report said.

It also said that Sri Lanka offers a test case of how to respond to a brutal military victory over a violent ethnic nationalist separatist movement.

The report said that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has a firm hold on government and popular support among the Sinhalese majority for his leadership in presiding over a military victory over the LTTE in 2009.

"The government's reluctance to seriously entertain notions that the Sri Lanka army's conduct was in any way suspect at the conclusion of the war raises questions about whether public international condemnations of what appear to be heinous war crimes can be effective," it said.

It informed the lawmakers that the UN Security Council is unlikely to meet the demands of the human rights bodies and several countries about the need to set up an enquiry into war crime victims in Sri Lanka, because of the opposition from two veto wielding members.

"The Security Council would have to request the ICC (International Criminal Court) to investigate war crimes in Sri Lanka. Russia and China, as permanent members, have veto power in the Security Council and are thought to oppose formal Security Council involvement in the matter," it said.

At the same time it noted that some have observed that a strong effort by the United Nations and the international community to force a criminal investigation into war crimes could be counter-productive as it would likely further bolster Rajapaksa's popularity on the basis of Sinhalese nationalism. (PTI)

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Comments - 14

We Sri Lankan Thursday, 07 July 2011 10:59 AM

Will the third world war spark from the Indian Ocean??? It's not in favour of Sri Lanka any way...we are taken on a ride........

Ryan Thursday, 07 July 2011 11:00 AM

For China, we give our hearts even without aid, but to USA we want to kick you out of earth how much aid you give.

PuranAppuGe Thursday, 07 July 2011 07:22 PM

china a friend in need

Ranjith Thursday, 07 July 2011 09:00 PM

But you guys enjoy all the freedom in USA.

sparks Friday, 08 July 2011 03:22 AM

Gota did not say this when he applied for PR in USA.

IQBAL Friday, 08 July 2011 03:35 AM

RAYAN . NEXT WHAT ? YOU GET MARRY A CHAINES WOMAN .

Jason Friday, 08 July 2011 03:32 AM

try not to speak like an ignorant moron for all to see

Wara Friday, 08 July 2011 03:35 AM

Very simple thing to do. You too increase the aid overtaking chinese !!

mohamed nilam Friday, 08 July 2011 05:23 AM

well said wara. If anyone need influence increase the aid. No payback no interest.

sara Friday, 08 July 2011 08:06 AM

Lets get USA/EU

xlntgson Friday, 08 July 2011 11:18 AM

Elephant in china shop, when two elephants clash what would happen to ants?

@maestrouzy Saturday, 09 July 2011 04:01 AM

well.china is trying to make some is money finally

LALITH Saturday, 09 July 2011 04:09 AM

We go to the highest bidder. US has used its veto power many times to protect its interests. China and Russia have done the same.

kaputakukula Saturday, 09 July 2011 06:10 AM

The pearl of Indian Ocean is being swallowed by the dragon. You silly bunch who support China will only know too late when your whole head is inside the dragon. Ha.. ha.. ha..

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China increase aid, to gain influence - report

Comments - 14

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