Hambantota port

The decline of the Rajapaksas has adversely hit Chinese fortunes in the Indian Ocean island and sullied its image among other Belt and Road partners.

Untangling the truth about Chinese debt and Sri Lanka means cutting through some misleading media narratives.

The deal by the previous government to hand over control to a Chinese firm was seen as a cautionary tale on the dangers of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy.

Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and Chinese loans – separating myth from reality.

China’s port building plans are more complex than conventional wisdom suggests.

A look at developments in the stronghold of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s southern region of Hambantota.

Chinese control of ports in other states – even those Beijing “owns” – will always remain limited.

China is moving into new geographical areas of Sri Lanka, where Indian influence has traditionally been strongest.

Sri Lanka is caught between the need for foreign investment and the risk of being the object of a great power tug-of-war.

The Sri Lankan government has given assurances that the port will not be used for military ends.

Colombo’s attempt to balance India and China has proved futile.