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After the new president of Sri Lanka was sworn in, his attitude toward China was announced, and the Chinese side immediately sent a congratulatory message
Sri Lanka's new president's "diplomatic tightrope": seeking a balance between China and India
"Mr. President, how will you lead Sri Lanka out of the economic quagmire?"
On September 23, 2023, Disanayak was sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka, and the expectations of the people in the audience may also be mixed with such questions. The assumption of the left-wing president has not only affected Sri Lanka's domestic political and economic trends, but also aroused the close attention of the international community, especially China and India.
1. New President, New Direction?
The story begins with Sri Lanka's deep economic crisis.
In 2022, the once "Pearl of India" suffered its worst economic crisis since independence, with depleted foreign exchange reserves, shortages of living materials, and constant protests and demonstrations. Against this backdrop, Dissanayake won the presidential election under the banner of "change", promising to lead the country out of its predicament.
The new president faces a thorny road.
Economic recovery requires money and projects, and foreign policy choices are key. China, as Sri Lanka's largest creditor and important economic and trade partner, has provided a lot of aid and investment in the past few years. India, a close neighbor of Sri Lanka, has been trying to expand its influence in the region and is wary of Sino-Sri Lankan cooperation. How to balance the interests of China and India has become the primary challenge of Disanayake's foreign policy.
2. The "shadow game" between China and India
Dissanayak's inaugural speech sent some signals.
He stressed the need to work with the international community to bring effective decision-making to the country, which was interpreted by the outside world as pursuing a more pragmatic and rational foreign policy. The congratulatory message sent by the Chinese side at the first time expressed confidence in the stable development of China-Sri Lanka relations and reaffirmed its willingness to achieve win-win cooperation.
The India factor cannot be ignored.
Dissanayake's visit to India shortly after coming to power was seen as a test of the Modi government's position. The India media even took the opportunity to hype up and try to sow discord between China and Sri Lanka.
In fact, the game between China and India in Sri Lanka is no secret.
From the construction of the Hambantota port to the development of Colombo Port City, India has sought to thwart Sino-Sri Lankan cooperation, seeing it as evidence of China's expanding influence. There are also some concerns about China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation.
3. The art of walking a tightrope
In the face of a complex international environment, the government of Dissanayake needs to demonstrate a masterful art of "tightrope walking".
On the one hand, it is necessary to firmly safeguard national interests and put economic development and improvement of people's livelihood in the first place; On the other hand, it is necessary to properly handle relations with China and India, avoid taking sides, and seek win-win results in cooperation.
For the time being, the Disanayake government is inclined to a more pragmatic foreign policy.
They are well aware that China has advantages in infrastructure construction and financial assistance, and is an important partner in Sri Lanka's economic recovery. At the same time, it understands that India's geopolitical influence cannot be ignored and good relations with it need to be maintained.
China has made it clear that it is willing to continue to support Sri Lanka's development on the premise of not interfering in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.
This provides a positive signal for the future development of China-Sri Lanka relations.
Whether India will give up its "desire for control" over Sri Lanka remains unclear.
It is foreseeable that in the future Sri Lanka's diplomatic arena, the "shadow game" between China and India will continue to be staged.
Can Sri Lanka's new president's "diplomatic tightrope" be held firm? How will China and India adjust their strategies?
These issues deserve our continued attention and consideration.
How do you think Sri Lanka's new president should find a balance between China and India? Feel free to leave a message to share your thoughts!
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