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.

The deal assuaged some Indian concerns, but China's economic dominance over Sri Lanka is still a worry.

India sets out to check China’s efforts to turn the island into a maritime hub on its "Belt and Road."

China and Sri Lanka are expected to move forward on Hambantota port in November 2016.