Introduction
Sri Lanka has a long history of cultural and economic ties with China. However, in recent years, the relationship between the two countries has become more complex due to China's growing influence in Sri Lanka. This article explores the extent of Chinese influence in Sri Lanka and its implications for the country's economy, politics, and foreign policy.
Chinese Investment in Sri Lanka
China's investment in Sri Lanka has been a significant factor in strengthening its influence in the country. In recent years, China has provided substantial financial assistance to Sri Lanka for infrastructure development projects, including highways, ports, and airports. These projects are part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of infrastructure projects.
One of the most significant Chinese investments in Sri Lanka is the Hambantota Port, which China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CMPort) operates. The port, which was built with Chinese loans, has been a source of controversy, with critics accusing the Sri Lankan government of handing over the port to China on a long-term lease due to its inability to repay the loans. However, the Sri Lankan government has defended the decision, arguing that the port's operations have been unprofitable and that the Chinese investment will help turn it around.
Apart from the Hambantota Port, China has also invested in the Colombo Port City, a massive land reclamation project that aims to create a new financial center in Sri Lanka. The project has faced criticism from environmental activists, who have raised concerns about its impact on marine life and the coastal ecosystem. However, the Sri Lankan government has defended the project, arguing that it will create thousands of jobs and boost the country's economy.
Chinese Influence on Sri Lanka's Politics
China's growing influence in Sri Lanka has also had implications for the country's politics. Sri Lanka's relationship with China has often been portrayed as a counterbalance to its relationship with India, its closest neighbor and a regional power. China has provided Sri Lanka with diplomatic support, including vetoing a UN resolution calling for an investigation into alleged war crimes during Sri Lanka's civil war.
China's influence on Sri Lanka's politics has also been evident in the country's domestic politics. In 2018, Sri Lanka was embroiled in a political crisis, with President Maithripala Sirisena sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister. The move was widely seen as a result of China's influence on Sri Lanka's politics, with Rajapaksa known for his close ties with China.
However, the crisis was resolved when the Sri Lankan Supreme Court declared the sacking of Wickremesinghe unconstitutional, and he was reinstated as Prime Minister. The crisis highlighted the delicate balance of power in Sri Lanka and the influence of external actors on the country's politics.
Chinese Influence on Sri Lanka's Foreign Policy
China's growing influence in Sri Lanka has also had implications for the country's foreign policy. Sri Lanka has traditionally maintained a non-aligned foreign policy, but its relationship with China has led to criticism from other countries, particularly India and the United States. India has been concerned about China's growing presence in Sri Lanka, particularly its investments in the Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port City. The United States has also raised concerns about China's influence in Sri Lanka, particularly in the context of its strategic competition with China.
Conclusion
China's growing influence in Sri Lanka has had significant implications for the country's economy, politics, and foreign policy. While Chinese investments have contributed to Sri Lanka's development, they have also led to concerns about Sri Lanka's growing debt to China and the potential for Chinese influence on the country's
