Will never allow Sri Lankan territory to be used for any anti-China separatist activities: Sri Lanka reiterates

• Sri Lanka reaffirms its strong commitment to the one-China principle
• Two sides sign Belt and Road cooperation plan to upgrade China-Sri Lanka high-quality Belt and Road cooperation   
• China stands ready to jointly crackdown on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling

By Ajith Siriwardana  

Sri Lanka has reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang and Xinjiang.  In the China-Sri Lanka joint statement issued following the bi-lateral talks between the two countries, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.   

Sri Lanka firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and opposes “Taiwan independence” in any form.   

China has reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.   

Sri Lanka has appreciated the important role of Belt and Road cooperation in its economic and social development and the livelihood of its people.   

The two sides agreed to advance all major signature projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development, fully utilize such platforms as the Silk Road Workshop and carry out more livelihood programmes in Sri Lanka in accordance with the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, open, green and clean cooperation, and high-standard, people-centred and sustainable development and following the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.   

The two sides signed a Belt and Road cooperation plan to upgrade China-Sri Lanka high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly open up new space for win-win development of higher standard, stronger resilience and greater sustainability.   

The two sides recognize judicial, law enforcement and security cooperation as an important component of bilateral cooperation, and stand ready to jointly crackdown on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling. China is ready to do its best to support capacity building in Sri Lanka’s judicial, law enforcement and security areas and provide assistance of police supplies.