Responding to the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland’s claim that the support extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief is not enough, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the US side does not reflect the truth.
Ning told a Regular Press Conference that the Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with a letter to express support for its debt sustainability and that Sri Lanka has responded positively and thanked China for that.
“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 whether through the current difficulties.
As a friendly neighbour and true friend, China has been closely following the difficulties and challenges facing Sri Lanka and providing assistance for the island’s economic and social development to the best of China’s capabilities, Mao continued.
In response to a question on any ongoing conversation or talk between China and the IMF where the global lender has confirmed that China’s assurances are credible and enough for the Fund to disburse the debt relief financial support, the spokesperson said China supports it financial institutions in having consultations with Sri Lanka to seek a proper settlement to its China-related debt issue.
“We also stand ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to play a positive role in easing Sri Lanka’s debt burden.”
