Sino-Lanka maritime research stopped due to disruptions, hope SL Govt will take right decision- Chinese ambassador

Colombo, May 14 (Daily Mirror) - Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said yesterday that the routine marine scientific research conducted by scientists from both sides in Sri Lanka waters had been delayed due to various disruptions, and expressed hope that the Sri Lanka government, in consideration of its own sovereignty, dignity and interests, would make the right decision at an early date.

Delivering remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Colombo Maritime Dialogue organized by Pathfinder Foundation, he said that the Indian Ocean had been a key link for world trade and cultural exchange since antiquity, while friendly exchanges between China and countries along the Indian Ocean also enjoy a long history.

Located at the strategic center of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a vital node on East-West maritime routes and has long played an increasingly important and unique role in promoting regional exchange and cooperation, he said.

“As an Indian Ocean island nation, maritime cooperation is also a practical necessity for Sri Lanka to achieve national development and improve people's livelihoods. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes. From port construction and shipping logistics to marine economic development and disaster prevention and mitigation, our practical cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. But needless to say, the routine marine scientific research conducted by scientists from both sides in Sri Lanka waters has been delayed due to various disruptions. We hope and believe that the Sri Lanka government, in consideration of its own sovereignty, dignity and interests, will make the right decision at an early date,” he said.

Referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to China in 2025, he said both sides agreed to continue maritime cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual trust, and mutual benefit.

“We agreed to hold regular bilateral consultations on maritime affairs, and deepen cooperation in areas such as conservation and restoration of the marine environment and ecosystems, maritime domain awareness, maritime rescue and disaster relief, and maritime personnel training and capacity building. Together, we are striving to build a maritime community with a shared future and advance our ocean cooperation toward blue partnership. At present, countries in the Indian Ocean region are generally committed to economic development, improving people’s well-being, and enhancing connectivity. China has always supported the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. We consistently advocate that the ocean should not be an arena for major-power contest, but a broad stage for mutual benefit and cooperation, and maintain that the Indian Ocean should become an ocean of peace, development, openness, and cooperation. This is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community. Any ideas or actions that contradict this will receive no support and are bound to fail,” he said.

"Vast seas allow fish to leap, and boundless skies allow birds to soar." The ocean grants us infinite possibilities,” he added.