China responds to Nuland; says US side does not reflect the truth

Responding to the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland's claim that the support extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief is not enough, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the US side does not reflect the truth.

Ning told a Regular Press Conference that the Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with a letter to express support for its debt sustainability and that Sri Lanka has responded positively and thanked China for that.

"Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka whether through the current difficulties.

As a friendly neighbor and true friend, China has been closely following the difficulties and challenges facing Sri Lanka and providing assistance for its economic and social development to the best of our capabilities. As to Sri Lanka’s debt to the Chinese side, we support Chinese financial institutions in having consultations with Sri Lanka to seek a proper settlement. China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden and helping it achieve sustainable development," she said.

Responding to a question, she said China supported Chinese financial institutions in having consultations with Sri Lanka to seek a proper settlement to its China-related debt issue. "We also stand ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to play a positive role in easing Sri Lanka’s debt burden," she said.