Tue Oct 14 17:03:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Beijing, emphasizing strengthened cooperation in sectors like port economy, agriculture, digital and green economies, tourism, and crucially, law enforcement and security, specifically targeting cross-border crimes like gambling and fraud. Amarasuriya voiced Sri Lanka’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative. The meeting follows earlier visits by other Sri Lankan leaders, including President Dissanayake, and growing Chinese investment in Sri Lanka. Concerns exist in Sri Lanka regarding loan terms from China, while India has previously expressed worries about Chinese research vessels visiting Sri Lankan ports, a topic seemingly absent from these recent discussions.
**News Article:**
**China and Sri Lanka Pledge Deeper Cooperation, Focus on Security Amid Regional Concerns**
**Beijing, October 14, 2025** – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Beijing today, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation across a wide range of economic and security sectors. The meeting highlighted China’s desire to expand the Belt and Road Initiative into Sri Lanka, focusing on investments in port infrastructure, modern agriculture, digital and green economies, and tourism.
A significant aspect of the discussions centered on enhanced law enforcement and security cooperation. President Xi emphasized the need to “resolutely crack down on cross-border gambling, fraud and other criminal activities,” reflecting China’s concerns stemming from its increasing investments and tourism footprint in the island nation.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya affirmed Sri Lanka’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative, stating the country looks forward to deepening cooperation with China for its own development.
The meeting follows previous high-level visits, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s trip earlier this year, where China offered a substantial investment in an oil refinery. However, underlying tensions remain. Notably absent from the dialogue was any mention of Chinese research vessels, which India considers spy ships and has repeatedly raised concerns about with the Sri Lankan government.
Concerns within Sri Lanka itself are growing about the terms of Chinese loans, evidenced by recent criticism of an increased interest rate on a $500 million loan for expressway construction. Sri Lanka’s debt situation, including its sovereign default in 2022 with a significant portion owed to China, continues to be a subject of national debate.
First Piper 