Sri Lanka is currently scrambling for support amid its worst economic crisis since independence. But the crisis could provide a rare opportunity for cooperation between China and the United States. Qi Zhenhong, China’s ambassador to the South Asian island state, met with his U.S counterpart Julie Chung this week. 

Following the meeting, the Chinese embassy tweeted that “China and the United States could work together to help Sri Lanka overcome current difficulties.” Chung also confirmed that the two discussed “ways to support Sri Lankan efforts to ensure political stability & economic growth.”