AIM: To understand the motive of China's helping hands behind Siri Lanka in its crisis

situation

China's involvement in Sri Lanka's crisis situations has attracted significant attention and debate.

Over the years, China has emerged as a key player in Sri Lanka's economic and political

landscape, providing substantial financial aid, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic support.

This discussion aims to delve into the motives behind China's helping hands in Sri Lanka during

times of crisis, analyzing various factors that shape this relationship.

Historical Context

China's involvement in Sri Lanka's crises can be traced back to their long-standing historical ties.

The relationship between China and Sri Lanka dates back centuries and has been characterized

by cultural, trade, and diplomatic exchanges. Ancient Sri Lanka, known as "Serendip" in Chinese

historical texts, was an important stop along the ancient maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade

and cultural interactions between the two nations (Choudhury, 2023). In more recent history,

China provided support to Sri Lanka during its struggle against colonialism. China's support for

Sri Lanka's independence movement and its anti-imperialist stance helped foster a sense of

solidarity between the two countries. This historical connection laid the foundation for the

deepening of bilateral relations in the post-independence era. In the 1950s, China emerged as a

significant diplomatic ally for Sri Lanka as it sought to break free from its colonial past. China's

support extended beyond rhetoric, as it provided economic assistance, infrastructure

development, and military cooperation. This assistance was particularly crucial during Sri

Lanka's armed conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the 1980s and

1990s, when China provided military aid and diplomatic support to the Sri Lankan government

(Ramachandran, 2023). This historical context of mutual support and cooperation between China
and Sri Lanka serves as a backdrop for understanding China's continued involvement in Sri

Lanka's crises today. It highlights the longstanding nature of their relationship and provides

insights into the factors that have shaped China's motivations and actions in supporting Sri Lanka

during difficult times.

Strategic Geopolitical Interests

China's support for Sri Lanka in times of crisis can be attributed to its overarching strategic

geopolitical interests. The Indian Ocean region holds immense significance for China due to its

strategic location as a major trade route and its proximity to vital energy resources in the Middle

East and Africa. By establishing a presence in Sri Lanka, China aims to safeguard its maritime

interests and secure its sea lines of communication (Attanayake and Ranjan, 2022). Sri Lanka's

strategic location offers several advantages for China. Firstly, it provides a key access point to

the Indian Ocean, allowing China to expand its reach beyond its immediate maritime boundaries.

This aligns with China's broader goal of projecting its power and influence globally. Moreover,

Sri Lanka's ports, such as the Hambantota Port, have the potential to serve as logistical hubs for

China's naval operations, enhancing its naval capabilities and enabling greater power projection

in the region (Mengal and Mirza, 2022). China's engagement with Sri Lanka is also closely

linked to its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Sri Lanka's participation in the BRI has

resulted in significant infrastructure projects, such as the Colombo Port City development. These

projects not only promote economic cooperation but also allow China to establish a stronger

presence in the Indian Ocean region, bolstering its geopolitical influence (Nisayuru

Ariyawardana, 2022). Furthermore, China's involvement in Sri Lanka helps counterbalance the

influence of other regional powers, most notably India. As India considers Sri Lanka a part of its

sphere of influence, China's engagement serves to undermine India's regional dominance and
establish its own footprint. By building closer ties with Sri Lanka, China aims to reduce India's

influence and shape the regional power dynamics in its favor (My Hai Loc, 2023).

Economic Investments and Influence

China's significant economic investments in Sri Lanka play a pivotal role in its support during

times of crisis. Through infrastructure development projects, loans, and financial assistance,

China has established a strong economic foothold in the country, enhancing its influence over Sri

Lanka's economy and politics. Chinese-funded infrastructure projects have been instrumental in

transforming Sri Lanka's physical landscape. The construction of ports, highways, power plants,

and other critical infrastructure not only stimulates economic growth but also positions Sri Lanka

as an important regional hub. The Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port City project, in

particular, have garnered attention for their strategic value, offering China a strategic advantage

in terms of maritime connectivity and access (Choudhury, 2023).

In addition to infrastructure development, China's financial aid and loans have helped Sri Lanka

weather economic crises. During times of financial distress, such as the balance of payment crisis

in 2018, China provided loans and assistance to help Sri Lanka stabilize its economy. This

support strengthens China's influence by creating dependency and fostering economic ties

between the two nations (Sebastian, 2022). China's economic investments also extend to trade

and investment. The bilateral trade between China and Sri Lanka has witnessed significant

growth over the years, with China being one of Sri Lanka's largest trading partners. Chinese

investments in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and tourism contribute to job

creation and economic development in Sri Lanka, further solidifying China's economic influence

(My Hai Loc, 2023). China's economic clout in Sri Lanka grants it leverage and influence over

the country's decision-making processes. Chinese companies and investments often come with
conditions and agreements that promote closer bilateral ties and align with China's broader

strategic objectives. This economic influence translates into political influence, as Sri Lanka's

government may take China's interests into account when formulating policies and making

diplomatic decisions (Logan et al., 2023).

Countering Regional Rivalries

China's support for Sri Lanka during times of crisis can also be seen as a strategic move to

counter the influence of its regional rivals, most notably India. Sri Lanka holds a significant

place in India's historical and cultural ties, and India considers it a part of its sphere of influence

in the Indian Ocean region (Liu and He, 2023). By extending its helping hands to Sri Lanka,

China aims to undermine India's regional standing and reduce its influence in the country.

China's economic investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic support can serve as a

means to build a stronger relationship with Sri Lanka, creating an alternative power center and

diluting India's dominance (My Hai Loc, 2023). China's actions in Sri Lanka are viewed by some

as part of a broader rivalry between the two Asian giants, vying for influence and control in the

region. Through its engagement with Sri Lanka, China seeks to reshape the regional power

dynamics and assert its own position as a major player, countering the influence and strategic

interests of its regional rival, India (Loc, 2023).

String of Pearls Strategy

China's support for Sri Lanka in times of crisis aligns with its "String of Pearls" strategy, which

refers to its efforts to establish a network of naval bases and ports across the Indian Ocean

region. Sri Lanka holds a strategic position in this strategy, as it offers China a crucial foothold in

the Indian Ocean.

The development of ports like Hambantota and the establishment of other maritime facilities in

Sri Lanka contribute to China's aim of expanding its maritime capabilities and securing its sea

lines of communication. These strategic assets enable China to project power, enhance its naval

presence, and protect its shipping routes, bolstering its overall military and geopolitical influence

in the region. China's assistance to Sri Lanka during times of crisis can be seen as a means to

solidify its long-term access to these strategically located ports, furthering its String of Pearls

strategy (Kawshalya, 2020).

Diplomatic Leverage

China's support for Sri Lanka during times of crisis also provides it with significant diplomatic

leverage on the international stage. By offering assistance and standing by Sri Lanka in the face

of international pressure or condemnation, China expects reciprocal support in diplomatic forums

(Cao, 2020). Sri Lanka's alignment with China in international organizations and forums allows

China to secure its geopolitical interests, gain support on key issues, and influence decision-

making processes. China's diplomatic support enhances its image as a reliable and influential

player in global affairs, while simultaneously diminishing the influence of countries critical of its

actions. This diplomatic leverage further strengthens China's position in the region and reinforces

its efforts to shape the international narrative in its favor (Wang and Ye, 2019).

Summary

China's involvement in Sri Lanka during times of crisis reflects a complex web of motives driven

by historical, strategic, economic, geopolitical, and diplomatic factors. Historically, China has

supported Sri Lanka in its struggle against colonialism, establishing a foundation for their

contemporary relationship. From a strategic geopolitical perspective, China's engagement in Sri

Lanka serves to secure its maritime interests, expand its global reach, counter regional rivalries

like India, and implement its String of Pearls strategy by establishing a network of naval bases

and ports.

Economically, China's extensive investments in Sri Lanka, including infrastructure projects and

financial aid, contribute to its influence and leverage over the country. These investments also

foster economic ties, create dependency, and further China's broader strategic objectives.

Furthermore, China's support during crises grants it diplomatic leverage, solidifying its position

as a reliable ally and enabling it to shape decision-making processes in international forums.

In conclusion, China's support for Sri Lanka in times of crisis is driven by a combination of

historical ties, strategic geopolitical interests, economic investments, countering regional

rivalries, and diplomatic leverage. Understanding these motives provides insights into the

complexities of the China-Sri Lanka relationship and its implications for the wider regional

dynamics in the Indian Ocean.

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