Historic Meeting in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on October 14, 2025, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The high-level discussions aimed at strengthening the long-standing friendship and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister Amarasuriya was in China to attend the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, an event marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.
Expanding Economic and Development Cooperation
During the meeting, President Xi emphasized China's readiness to work with Sri Lanka on high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. The leaders identified several key sectors for expanded collaboration, including:
- Port economy
- Modern agriculture
- Digital economy
- Green economy
- Tourism
President Xi reiterated China's support for Sri Lanka in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. He also stressed the importance of focusing on economic development to achieve national prosperity.
Strengthening Security and Multilateral Coordination
Discussions also focused on enhancing law enforcement and security cooperation. Both leaders agreed on the importance of resolutely combating crimes such as cross-border gambling and fraud.
Furthermore, President Xi called for deeper coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations. The aim is to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization, thereby safeguarding the common interests of the Global South.
Sri Lanka's Commitment to Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Amarasuriya conveyed sincere greetings from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to President Xi. She highlighted President Xi's inspirational speech at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, acknowledging China's significant leadership role in promoting the global women's cause. Amarasuriya affirmed Sri Lanka's high regard for its relations with China, its firm adherence to the one-China policy, and its active support for and participation in high-quality BRI cooperation. She expressed Sri Lanka's eagerness to learn from China's modernization experience to achieve new progress in its own development.
5 Comments
eliphas
Beware of gifts from giants; they always come with very expensive strings attached.
paracelsus
China's modernization experience is undoubtedly valuable for Sri Lanka's development aspirations, yet it's crucial that Sri Lanka adapts these lessons to its unique context without compromising its own cultural identity or democratic principles.
eliphas
Expanding sectors like port economy and tourism offers significant growth potential for Sri Lanka; however, the environmental and social impacts of large-scale BRI projects need rigorous oversight and transparent governance.
paracelsus
Excellent news for Sri Lanka! Stronger ties mean more development and prosperity.
anubis
Another nation falling deeper into China's debt trap. Very concerning for their independence.