No military agreement with China, we are a neutral country: President

26 June 2023 07:57 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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- The Chinese have been there for about 1,500 years and so far there has been no military base

- Hambantota harbour given to China Merchants, but security controlled by SL Govt.

There are no military agreements with China and there won't be any military agreements, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said during a media interview to the 'France 24' website.

The interviewer inquired about China's alleged presence in Sri Lanka, asking if there were any reports in the American media regarding potential military involvement and whether it could be ruled out for the future.

President Wickremesinghe responded by stating that he doesn't believe China would engage in such an agreement.

"The Chinese have been there for about 1,500 years and so far there has been no military base. There is speculation about the Hambantota harbour. It has been given out to China Merchants, but the security is controlled by the Sri Lankan government. The Southern Naval Command will be shifted to Hambantota.

We have one brigade stationed in Hambantota and nearby areas. There has certainly been no issue of military use by the Chinese. The same company also runs a terminal in Colombo harbour, in the South Port. That is why the warships come from all the countries. No one is complaining about the terminal; they are running around Colombo, but they are only complaining about the terminal. The port that they are managing is Hambantota.

Therefore, we have no military agreement with China; there won't be any military agreements, and I do not think China will enter into one.

We are a neutral country, but we also emphasize the fact that we cannot allow Sri Lanka to be used as a base for any threats against India."

Comments - 16

Tamil Historian Monday, 26 June 2023 08:29 PM

From 1500 years ago to until 700 years ago there were only two dominant military powers in the whole of Asia, the Tamil Military and the Chinese Military. Surprisingly there were no rivalries between between two military powers and they remained very friendly to each other. Coming to the present, the Tamils have disintegrated to mere survival but the Chinese still maintain their military strength and Sri Lanka needs at least some kind of verbal assurance from China for protection from an Indian invasion which is highly likely within the next ten years.

Thondaiyan Tuesday, 27 June 2023 05:24 AM

Verbal assurance from China for protection from India? Good laugh. So many deluded people providing wholesome entertainment.

Madhawa Tuesday, 27 June 2023 09:15 AM

But when Dutch, Portuguese and British invades India they haven't mentioned anything about Tamil military.

Jud Tuesday, 27 June 2023 09:28 AM

From where do get your history lessons!! If India invades SL not only Chinese military there'll be Russians and other nations to kick there ass out of SL, yeah!! Am confident Indians Will never invade SL.

THE TRUTH Monday, 26 June 2023 09:00 PM

FRENCH GALLERY IS A GOOD BUD LOW INCOME WELFARE IS CUT.

Goni Billa Monday, 26 June 2023 10:42 PM

It was the West which colonised Sri Lanka and not China

Mullay Polantris Monday, 26 June 2023 10:54 PM

Did they add the President to the list of tourists visiting the country ?

Free Sri Lanka Tuesday, 27 June 2023 01:29 AM

Then abolish the illegal Indo Lanka Accord! No self respecting county will claim it is independent with that pathetic Indian accord that subjugates us and prevents free trade and a free foreign policy. Left wing idiots are always silent on that piece of garbage whilst attacking the West or China.

Mary Thiagarajah Tuesday, 27 June 2023 01:41 AM

Sri Lanka is a Free Country than China or India. Chinese citizens are struggling for freedom. No justice for minorities in India.

Kumara Tuesday, 27 June 2023 04:18 AM

President Ranil Wickeraminghe is non committal on when he will be having the Provincial Elections in the North

Punchi Tuesday, 27 June 2023 05:02 AM

What about the secret agreement to allow Hambantota port to be used by the Chinese Navy in event of war in Asia

Jude Tuesday, 27 June 2023 09:33 AM

No no no we're panhandling country, begging for money country, yeah

Quolp Tuesday, 27 June 2023 11:18 AM

If Indian intervenes in Sri Lanka's sovereignty, Chinese military involvement in Sri Lanka is inevitable to control our rights and privileges.

ANNECUNT Tuesday, 27 June 2023 12:32 PM

ALL THIS WILL BE CHANGED DEPENDING ON COMMISION THE CHINESE PREPARED TO GIVE CHINESE ARE COMMISION GIVING KINGS SRI-LANKANS ARE COMMISION RECEIVING KINGS

UMAS ALI Tuesday, 27 June 2023 04:18 PM

WAIT TILL NAMAL RAJAPUKA BECOMES THE PRESIDENT THEN THE COMMISION WILL START

Ranapala Madduma Tuesday, 27 June 2023 04:55 PM

If we are in a neutral country you must get out from politics!!

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No military agreement with China, we are a neutral country: President

Comments - 16

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