Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

China’s Shaky Bet on the Rajapaksa Family

by Cobus van Staden
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (l) in an earlier meeting with former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, image via Xinhua

Since Sri Lanka’s ruling Rajapaksa family’s hurried exit as their country descended into chaos, China has been notably quiet. Official responses have been late. When he responded, Zhao Lijian, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, only said:

“China pays great attention to the development of the situation in Sri Lanka. We sincerely hope that all sectors in Sri Lanka can keep in mind the fundamental interests of the country and its people, stay united, uphold stability and tide over difficulties together.”  

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

Dalai Lama Invite Complicates China-Sri Lanka Cooperation

Sri Lanka’s desperate attempts to get China’s support for its debt restructuring could be blown up from the inside. This follows an invitation from senior Buddhist clerics to the Dalai Lama to visit the ...

Top U.S. Treasury Official Issues Veiled Warnings to African Countries About the Risks of Borrowing From China

Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo repeated longstanding warnings to African ministers about the dangers of borrowing from China in a virtual speech before the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and ...

Possible U.S.-China Cooperation in Sri Lanka?

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 ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

Subscribe