Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit is an opportunity for Socialists!

The impending visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is being hailed as a historical homecoming, drawing parallels to the protection offered by Admiral Zheng He centuries before Western boots touched Lankan soil. As the island grapples with a volatile exchange rate and looming 2028 loan repayments, analysts suggest that “Socialist China” offers more than just a diplomatic handshake—it offers a blueprint for transformation. By leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and adopting Deng Xiaoping’s mantra that “to be rich is glorious,” Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads where ancient friendship meets modern economic survival.
The Chinese Lions at Yapahuwa are a stark reminder of how Great China protected Sri Lanka historically whenever it was under threat (Ref. Mahavansa). Among the highest profile dignitaries ever to visit, support and protect Sri Lanka was Admiral Zheng He of Great China. His contributions during 14th century  Silk Road voyages to strengthen Sri Lanka (a century before western colonization) are still cherished by patriotic Sri Lankans (Ref. Kotte era Chronicles). When might violates the international law, China rightly promotes win-win cooperation with the 21st century Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative - BRI). The expected visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi therefore, is history repeating and an opportunity which shouldn’t be missed. After his visit in January 2020, COVID affected Lankan economy and China supported to re-energize by vaccinating the human resource. When he visited in January 2022 Gotabaya rule was fast becoming unpopular and many analysts believe that if President Gotabaya took the Chinese advice seriously whilst allowing others to pray at his private residence, the economy wouldn’t have suffered to those depths. 

The BRI for economic recovery

When Minister Wang Yi met President Gotabaya during his previous visits, discussions on the joint development along the BRI topped the agenda. At a moment some Sri Lankans are concerned about the US$ passing 300 LKR line since 2023, Wang Yi’s advice on using BRI opportunities shouldn’t be missed. Sri Lanka should take more steps to develop as a regional logistics/ shipping hub to build a better economy. That on the other hand will help face IMF targets and 2028 loan repayment capacity etc. When doing so, Sri Lankans should always let those near and far know that Sino- Lanka relations are for mutual benefit only and not to block the interests of any third party as Minister Wang emphasized during his visit in 2020.  

Lessons for Socialists

China’s Paramount Leader Deng Xiaoping once said that ‘socialism isn’t poverty and to be rich is glorious’. With its new socialist strengths, Sri Lanka has the unique opportunity to avoid unfair trade union actions which blocked development since 1948 and build a rich country. Sri Lankans may learn the basics from ‘Socialist China’ which developed a homegrown socialist system respecting each other’s rights and became a superpower in 76 years (the only super power to practice one country many systems of government). The challenge is the forward march with help from good friends. At every turning point since 1948 Socialist China supported the Sri Lankan cause starting with the 1952 Rubber Rice pact (RRP). In essence China has helped to; fight famine with the RRP, establish rule of law with the Supreme Courts Complex, improve well being with the Polonnaruwa Kidney hospital & strengthened the economy with the Port City & Hambantota Port etc. 
President AKD and his core JVP team who have had close relations with China may study the BRI story about a shared future for mankind more. It will indeed be more effective than asking for short term relief packages as China has invested more than 150 billion USD in BRI partner states and traded worth approximately 15 trillion USD with them since 2013 (Ref. BRI statistics). It’s reasonable if a foreigner visiting Sri Lanka assumes that the Chinese lions protecting the independence monument in Colombo are symbolizing the historic protection China has provided. An ancient Chinese proverb says that everything is good when new but not friends.
Views expressed are personal.