China SYNDROME'
BY SULOCHANA RAMIAH MOHAN-November 9, 2014 2:05 am
Observing the strengthening of ties betwixt Sri Lanka and China, French Ambassador Jean-Paul Monchau said even though China was fast emerging as a First World power protagonist on the world's stage, Sri Lanka should maintain good relationships with all countries and should 'not put all their eggs in one basket'.
Speaking exclusively to Ceylon Today, the French Envoy said, "Sri Lanka should build good relationships with other nations too and I would say, 'not put all their eggs in the same basket'. I say so, because in the last few weeks we have seen more people from China coming here. Mainly after the Chinese President Xi Jinping came to Sri Lanka and some people think the tension in the region is being intensified."
Talking further on the Chinese influence spreading the world over, he said, "Many talk about the growing relationship with China. China's relationship is improving all over the world and it will soon become a First World power, thanks to its population and its economic growth. Even in Africa, like in Zambia and Benin or in Latin America, the Chinese influence is growing. I know it is appreciated by the developing countries. Sri Lanka is closer to China than Africa."
He also warned that it could be China now and later another country that the ties could grow, as history is constantly changing. "So, continue to have a good relationship with all other countries too, is my overall view," the Diplomat added.
Commending the great relationship France shares with Sri Lanka, the ambassador said that he sees a good economy growth of 7-8%. He also said Sri Lankans should be credited for the booming tourism. "They have welcomed the change and today travellers are choosing Sri Lanka in large numbers and that should be credited to the people." According to him Nearly 80,000 French tourists have come to Sri Lanka lately. "This country is very gifted and bound to have more success stories," he opined.
BY SULOCHANA RAMIAH MOHAN-November 9, 2014 2:05 am
Observing the strengthening of ties betwixt Sri Lanka and China, French Ambassador Jean-Paul Monchau said even though China was fast emerging as a First World power protagonist on the world's stage, Sri Lanka should maintain good relationships with all countries and should 'not put all their eggs in one basket'.Speaking exclusively to Ceylon Today, the French Envoy said, "Sri Lanka should build good relationships with other nations too and I would say, 'not put all their eggs in the same basket'. I say so, because in the last few weeks we have seen more people from China coming here. Mainly after the Chinese President Xi Jinping came to Sri Lanka and some people think the tension in the region is being intensified."
Talking further on the Chinese influence spreading the world over, he said, "Many talk about the growing relationship with China. China's relationship is improving all over the world and it will soon become a First World power, thanks to its population and its economic growth. Even in Africa, like in Zambia and Benin or in Latin America, the Chinese influence is growing. I know it is appreciated by the developing countries. Sri Lanka is closer to China than Africa."
He also warned that it could be China now and later another country that the ties could grow, as history is constantly changing. "So, continue to have a good relationship with all other countries too, is my overall view," the Diplomat added.
Commending the great relationship France shares with Sri Lanka, the ambassador said that he sees a good economy growth of 7-8%. He also said Sri Lankans should be credited for the booming tourism. "They have welcomed the change and today travellers are choosing Sri Lanka in large numbers and that should be credited to the people." According to him Nearly 80,000 French tourists have come to Sri Lanka lately. "This country is very gifted and bound to have more success stories," he opined.
