China and Sri Lanka

China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors. On 7th Feburary 1957, China officially established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. Since then, the two sides have always understood and supported each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns. In 2013, the leaders of two sides jointly elevated China-Sri Lanka relations to the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and enduring friendship. In recent years, China and Sri Lanka have frequent high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, and carry on cooperation closely in fields such as economy, trade, and humanities.

The year 2022 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China-Sri Lanka and the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact. The two sides maintained close high-level exchanges. In January, H. E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister visited Sri Lanka. In April, H.E. Prime Minister Li Keqiang had a phone call with Hon. former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. In August and September, H. E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister met with Hon. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry respectively during East Asia Summit, and the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Economic and trade cooperation of the two countries has yielded fruitful results. China is Sri lanka's second largest trading partner and second import source. Cooperation on major projects is the highlight of China-Sri Lanka relations. Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port have become flagship projects of the Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries. China and Sri Lanka has also carried out active inter-party, people-to people and military exchanges.

Since 2022, Sri Lanka has experienced the most serious economic crisis since the founding of the country, resulting in great hardship for the people. China pays close attention to the difficulties and challenges faced by Sri Lanka and has been providing continuous assistance to Sri Lanka's economic and social development within its capacity.