‘Chinese influence not a threat’

11 December 2011 04:38 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Visiting Sri Lankan Army Chief Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya today said though China's influence in the Indian Ocean is growing, it is not posing any threat to the Indian sub-continent.

"There is no threat to any country in the Indian sub-continent from the growing influence of China in the waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a wrong belief," Jayasuriya told reporters after reviewing the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun India.

Regarding India, he said military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka was increasing and armies of the two countries are cooperating with each other in several areas including the field of training.

In this regard, he pointed out that 120 Sri Lankan officers had so far received training in the IMA. He said he also plans to meet Chief of Army Staff Gen V. K. Singh during his current visit.

On the LTTE, Jayasuriya said the LTTE in Sri Lanka has been completely decimated but admitted its sympathisers did exist in other countries.

"The LTTE has been decimated militarily but they do have sympathisers in the international diaspora,” he said. However, he said it was no more a military threat.

Asked about Tamils uprooted from the island nation during the Sri Lankan army's operation against the LTTE, the Sri Lankan army chief said the situation has now become "normal" and people have started coming back to their places.

The Sri Lankan government is also undertaking rehabilitation work in affected areas, he added. (Source: Times of India)

Comments - 7

Trevor Jayetileke Sunday, 11 December 2011 08:33 PM

Our Army Commander is correct. China is no military threat to anyone in the Indian Ocean Region.
The West is using China Bogey to exert its influence in the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific Region like it has done in the past in other region of the World.
China's interest in the region is purely commercial and Sri Lanka has to respond to China's logistics needs because we literally control the International Sea lane that connects the East and the West and we are called upon to serve with no fear nor favor.

Powerless Monday, 12 December 2011 01:05 AM

How much you know about China and other countries to say that there is no threat to other countries. Speak for Sri Lanka, and you are right.

Jayapalan Monday, 12 December 2011 06:37 AM

Sri Lanka will be in stake when China become a threat

raj Monday, 12 December 2011 06:41 AM

have you heard that India is going to build big air base in souther india - Tamilnadu. It shows that India concern about Chinese influence in Sir Lanka.

prem Monday, 12 December 2011 07:19 AM

Then is anyone who is real threat.

Gamage Monday, 12 December 2011 07:35 AM

China will be a prosperity to Sri Lanka not a threat at all. Sri lanka will be in a better position if they make a strong friendship and ally with Russia and China.. the only country which will be a threat and evil to Sri Lanka would be US and UK...

xlntgson Tuesday, 13 December 2011 02:17 AM

China is ahead of India as a 'soft' power!

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‘Chinese influence not a threat’

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