China’s dip in Sri Lanka’s strategic waters

By Kelum Bandara

 As foreign ships, except commercial vessels, dock at the ports of Colombo, Hambantota, or Trincomalee, the Indian Ocean becomes a point of debate surrounding Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning and its significance to global powers. The region’s vast potential as a discussion topic for regional stakeholders encompasses trade, economic cooperation, and security considerations. However, as discussions unfold, the narrative often veers towards the heated topic of strategic competition, particularly with China, overshadowing pressing concerns like climate change, trafficking, piracy, and illegal fishing.

The possibility of Sri Lanka becoming ensnared in the web of big power rivalries has understandably become a matter of concern for policymakers. Awakening to this reality, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that Sri Lanka must stay away from such rivalries, and leave no room for its territory for them to play out. Harking back to the 1970s, the late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike advocated a similar position, advocating for the declaration of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace.

Amidst these intricacies, China emerges as a prominent player with assertive interests in the Indian Ocean region. Leading Chinese scholar, Prof. Dai Yonghong who is the Dean of the College of International Studies -at Shenzhen University, underscores Sri Lanka’s pivotal position in the Indian Ocean, referring to it as the “lifeline, energy line, and trade line” for nations in the region, particularly East Asian powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea. As Sri Lanka ardently endeavours to attract foreign investments for economic development and social progress, its strategic importance to these countries cannot be overstated.

With keen eyes on Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, Prof. Dai acknowledges the nation’s progress in the face of challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and mounting fuel and food prices. Supported by countries like China and India, as well as multilateral institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Sri Lanka’s resilience shines through.

In navigating the complex web of strategic interests, Prof. Dai accentuates the host country’s responsibility in determining the most advantageous alliances. While great powers, such as the United States, India, and Japan, vie for influence with China, Sri Lanka’s discernment lies in assessing the practical support each country offers in terms of financial aid, logistics, and political backing. The proverbial Chinese adage, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” takes centre stage as Sri Lanka assesses the nature of true friendships, Prof. Dai said.
Port City, the striking $1.4 billion Chinese investment in Colombo, stands as a testament to China’s deepening ties with Sri Lanka from both economic and strategic perspectives. Prof. Dai envisions this transformative project, akin to the metamorphosis of Shenzhen from a modest fishing village to a global mega city within four decades, modernizing Colombo and paving the way for an offshore financial hub shortly.

He says China champions the principles of a rule-based international order, urging all nations to abide by the tenets set forth by the United Nations, the UN Charter, and the international financial order.

As the Indian Ocean region continues to navigate the delicate balance of interests and alliances, Sri Lanka finds itself at the heart of great power dynamics. Embracing its strategic significance and remaining open to collaboration with multiple countries, Sri Lanka aims to chart a course towards sustainable development and prosperity in the vast waters of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka is strategically positioned but it is not positioned to compromise its ties with the major powers because all are crucial for its forward march.