China, Sri Lanka agree marine cooperation

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday that China and Sri Lanka agreed to expand marine cooperation and jointly build a 21st-century maritime Silk Road during the visit of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris. Spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a regular press conference. Peiris is visiting China from Monday to Thursday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the visit, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with him and he held talks with Wang. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern, said Hua, adding that they were satisfied with the development of their ties. During the talks, Peiris briefed China on Sri Lanka's post-war reconstruction and national reconciliation. China expressed appreciation for the Sri Lankan government's effort in promoting economic and social development as well as improving people's well-being and the human rights situation, said Hua. China supports the Sri Lankan government to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and believes that the Sri Lankan people have the wisdom and capability to address their domestic affairs, she said. She said China opposes some countries' interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka on the pretext of human rights issues. "China always upholds that differences on human rights should be resolved through dialogue and communication on the basis of equality and mutual respect," she said. China opposes double standards on human rights and politicizing the issue, she said. Hua called on the international community to respect the Sri Lankan government and the people's independent choice of their development path and create a favorable external environment for the achievement of stability and prosperity.