China and Sri Lanka are doubling down on their partnership with fresh plans to expand trade, tech collaboration, and infrastructure projects. During a high-profile meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Sri Lanka’s Vijitha Herath pledged to strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership, signaling a new chapter in Asia’s diplomatic landscape.
🔑 Key Focus Areas: – Accelerating negotiations for a China-Sri Lanka free trade agreement – Expanding flagship Belt and Road projects like Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port – Collaborating on green energy, digital innovation, and marine economy ventures
Wang emphasized that their maritime cooperation is “mutually beneficial and not directed against third parties”, while critiquing external strategies that “provoke division” in the region. Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the one-China principle, calling China a crucial partner in regional development.
💡 Why it matters: With Sri Lanka navigating economic recovery, this partnership could unlock new opportunities in tech-driven sectors while reshaping connectivity in the Indian Ocean region.
