May 26, 2023
3 mins read

Lanka rules out any security arrangements with China

Wickremsinghe emphasised that Asian countries do not wish to be forced to manage competing pressure from both China and US…writes Susitha Fernando

Welcoming Japan’s cooperative approach to have peace in the Asian region and dialogue between all nations, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that Japan, China, India, and ASEAN, should commence an open-ended dialogue amongst themselves and thereafter with the other Asian countries as a first step in establishing a new framework for Peace and Cooperation in Asia.

In his address at the “Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia” held in Tokyo, he stressed on Asia’s significance as the world’s largest economic zone, home to 60 per cent of the global population, and a major contributor to global growth.

As per the full speech shared by the President’s Media Division (PMD) in Colombo, Wickremesinghe highlighted Asia’s potential for continued growth, despite setbacks on the global stage.

“China’s recovery, together with a healthy domestic demand in India, will be the main supports of growth for the region. Asia also has the advanced economies of Japan and South Korea contributing to the region’s development, through foreign investments and technology transfers,” he said.

Referring to the US-China rivalry in the Asian region, Wickremsinghe emphasised that Asian countries do not wish to be forced to manage competing pressure from both parties. the pressure on Asian countries to choose between the US and China is being resisted by many.

“We in Asia don’t want to choose between US and China. Many of us cannot make that choice because we have already made our choice, and that choice is Asia. We want an Asia that can accommodate the Indo-Pacific, the BRI, as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” he contended.

A Chinese flag is seen in front of the Friendship bridge over the Yalu River connecting the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in China’s Liaoning Province, April 1, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

However, Wickremesinghe, who took over the country after political and economic turmoil in 2022, said though a member of China’s BRI initiative, Sri Lanka has no security arrangements with China nor they intend to enter into any security agreement with China.

“Asia has become the crux of US-China rivalry. The intensification of that rivalry in recent times has brought about the QUAD (between the USA, India, Australia, and Japan) and the Indo-Pacific on one hand and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the other.”

Highlighting the importance of Asia, Wickremmeinghe said that not only has Asia become the global economic powerhouse but has become the most dynamic region.

“Claiming nearly 30 per cent of the Earth’s land mass, Asia is home to 4.75 billion people, which is about 60 per cent of the world’s population. The region is now the world’s largest economy,” he stated.

Highlighting the impact on climate change specially on the Asian region, the Srin Lankan President advocated that Asia should agree on a common timeline for achieving carbon neutrality, based on the shorter period upheld by some of the industrialised countries in the region.

“This is possible if an agreement is reached amongst China, India, Japan, Korea and Indonesia,” he said.

“By mid-century, rising waters will impact nearly a billion people in the Asia-Pacific region. It is regrettable that as many as eight of the fifteen countries affected by climate change are from Asia: Maldives, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

“Ironically, the region is also a key cause of the climate change crisis. We produce about half of the world’s carbon emissions and have 5 of the largest greenhouse gas emitting countries. One cannot emphasise the urgency for policies and actions to curb emissions on the part of these countries.

A single Asian voice devoid of disharmony needs to be present at COP 28. The success of this conference will depend on the ability of the key Asian nations to come to an agreement,” Wickremesinghe warned.

ALSO READ: Lankan cabinet approves biz incentives at Colombo Port City

Previous Story

Punjab’s vital role in shaping global sporting landscape

Next Story

China to help crisis-hit Pakistan

Latest from -Top News

Singapore’s Ruling Party Achieves Landslide Victory

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, whose party won the election, thanked supporters.,..reports Asian Lite News Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) won 87 of the 97 seats in Parliament in Saturday’s general election,

Jaishankar, Lavrov Discuss Pahalgam Terror Attack

Both the Ministers discussed issues of Russian-Indian cooperation and the aggravation of India-Pakistan relations following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke to the Russian Foreign Minister

Ukrainian forces to join VE  procession  

Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 UK armed forces members, including soldiers on horseback and military bands, to symbolise “the global support for their continued fight for freedom” against Russia  krainian armed

Rajnath Singh to skip Russia visit

The decision comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will not likely attend Russia’s

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China reshuffles PLA’s Western Theater Command

Interestingly, this was the third three-star ceremony in less than

China advises Pakistan to tackle political instability for progress

Pakistan is facing intense political turmoil since former prime minister