China will continue to support Sri Lanka in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions.-Chinese Ambassador

The Chinese Ambassador in Colombo, Qi Zhenhong, yesterday urged all countries to respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and work together to meet the challenges of our times and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

He said that China has always been committed to global peace and development. “China is the second largest contributor to the UN regular budget and the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council”, he added.

He was speaking at a reception to mark the 74th National Day of the People's Republic of China at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo yesterday.

“Over the past ten years of Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, more than 150 countries, including Sri Lanka, and 32 international organisations have made great progress in connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and investment, with about 3,100 joint projects bringing tangible benefits to the world.

He added that China will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions, getting rid of the “poverty trap” and the "non-development trap.”