Jun 10, 2015 (LBO) – China and Sri Lanka said they would strengthen military cooperation following Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan meeting with Navy Commander Jayantha Perera in Beijing, China.
“China is willing to make full use of the dialogue, expand cooperation and exchanges in various fields and levels, and maintain the smooth development of military-to-military ties,” Chang said in a statement.
“China was willing to work with the Sri Lanka side to implement the consensus reached by the leaders and to continue to advance practical cooperation.”
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka last September, the two heads of states witnessed the signing of an action plan to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership.
Perera has expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance to country’s development.
China has built a seaport and airport in Sri Lanka’s south, raising fears it is seeking influence in a country with which India has traditionally had deep ties.