Despite its ever increasing ties with China, Sri Lanka has extended its support to Japan on the issue of China’s aerial and maritime restrictions on other nations in East China Sea.

The joint communiqué issued by Lanka and Japan at the end of talks between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday, said: “The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the freedom of navigation and overflight of the high seas, civil aviation safety, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with principles of international law.”

It further said: “The two leaders reiterated their call for North Korea to address the concerns of the international community, including the early settlement of the abductions issue.

They also urged North Korea to refrain from any further provocative actions including ballistic missile launches, which could hinder the progress of the Six Party Talks and to take concrete actions towards denuclearisation.”

The issue of freedom of navigation is important for Lanka because it is trying to develop the island nation as a maritime hub. 

Humbantota port has been built as part of this bid to become a hub.

However, Lankan support to Japan on the South China issue could strain its relations with China which is Lanka’s largest creditor, heavily funding key infrastructure projects.

Lankans as a whole view China with some suspicion as it is thought to be buying its way through, and there is much criticism in the Lankan media about the high cost of Chinese loans.

On the other hand, the  Sri Lankans see Japan as being benign. (TNIE)