China and Sri Lanka Strengthen Ties with New Investment Agreements

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake's visit to Beijing highlights deepening cooperation under China's Road Initiative and ongoing debt restructuring efforts.

• Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met in Beijing, emphasizing a 'historical opportunity' to enhance bilateral relations.
• The two countries signed 15 cooperation agreements, including aligning China's Belt and Road Initiative with Sri Lanka's 2030 digital economy blueprint.
• China remains Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender and a key player in the country's ongoing efforts to restructure its external debt after declaring bankruptcy in 2022.
• Dissanayake's visit follows his recent trip to India, reflecting Sri Lanka's balancing act between regional rivals China and India for economic and strategic support.
• China reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic development and pledged collaboration on climate change, regional stability, and global South unity.

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