China tells US to show sincerity and do something to help Sri Lanka to weather storm

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 weather through the current difficulties, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in her Regular Press Conference on Thursday (02).

She said this in response to a question posed by a journalist.

The journalist asked “US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka, has said that the terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough. She said the US expects China, as the largest bilateral creditor to Sri Lanka, to give credible and specific assurance that matches

IMF’s standard on debt restructuring. What is China’s comment or response to this and when is China considering providing credible and specific assurances to Sri Lanka as required for debt relief by the IMF?”

In response, Mao Ning said that what was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with a letter to express support for its debt sustainability. Sri Lanka has responded positively and thanked China for that, she said.

“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.