China-Sri Lanka relations

Sino-Sri Lankan relations have been stronger when left-of-center parties or politicians are in power on the Indian Ocean island.

Once again, the pending visit of a Chinese research vessel to Sri Lanka has touched off Indian objections.

Since an economic crisis hit the country last year, New Delhi has reminded Colombo who its real friends are.

China is using Buddhist narratives to promote its soft power in Sri Lanka – and bolster its image as a harmonious regional power.

The Japanese strategy allowed Chinese projects to be responsive to preferences of Sri Lankan leaders but paved the way for political capture, inflated costs and corruption.

The Yuan Wang 5’s docking at Hambantota Port continues to create ripples long after the ship left the island.

The Indian and Chinese diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka sparred on social media over the visit of a Chinese military research vessel to the island nation.

China's role in lending to Sri Lanka has expanded in the last 20 years, but fewer Chinese loans would not have saved the country from its current economic crisis.

By offering support during Colombo’s economic collapse, India has widened its footprint in Sri Lanka after a decade of losing ground to China.

Can China and India help Sri Lanka to avoid a sovereign default?

Simplistic narratives fail to account for the complexities that have defined foreign policy in Sri Lanka since its independence.