Sri Lanka Tells China It Will Rethink Ties and a Major Port Project

Foreign relations can shift with a new national government, and a key link in China’s plan for a maritime Silk Road winding through the Pacific and Indian oceans has been put on hold in Sri Lanka. The new government under President Maithripala Sirisena announced an environmental review for a proposed port and retail project in Sri Lanka. The deal included more than 1 million square meters of land, some outright and some by long-term lease, for Chinese investors. Regulators “expressed concern that the port project would allow a Chinese state-owned enterprise to hold land in a strategically important area” and China’s growing influence in the country. China is Sri Lanka’s biggest foreign investor, and the Sirisena government has promised to review all development plans for corruption and a priority on “economic betterment” for Sri Lankans. The foreign minister stressed the country seeks good ties with China, India and the United States. – YaleGlobal