Washington, Dec 13 (NationPress): The US Senate has identified China’s involvement in the port infrastructure of Sri Lanka during a recent hearing as a significant cautionary tale regarding Beijing’s practices in overseas financing. Lawmakers cautioned that such initiatives could threaten both sovereignty and strategic independence in the Indo-Pacific.

In a session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chairman Jim Risch referred to China’s engagement in Sri Lanka as “a prime example globally for why nations should avoid partnerships with China,” particularly emphasizing Beijing’s funding of large-scale port projects.

The nominee for US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Eric Meyer, expressed that the United States would assist Colombo in maintaining control over critical infrastructure and pursuing transparent partnerships.

“We have a very open and transparent relationship with Sri Lanka, and bilateral interactions should be characterized by that transparency,” said Meyer. “Upon my confirmation, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the government of Sri Lanka to reinforce their sovereignty, especially concerning ports.”

Risch questioned Meyer on whether Sri Lanka had learned from its experiences with Chinese financing.

“They ensnared Sri Lanka with financial incentives,” Risch remarked.

Meyer acknowledged that Sri Lanka is keen on enhancing its ties with the United States, emphasizing the necessity of economic reforms.

“Sri Lanka has demonstrated interest in closer collaboration with the United States,” he stated, while encouraging Colombo to maintain its IMF-backed program because “economic sovereignty and independence are crucial.”

Meyer highlighted that reforms could pave the way for new investment opportunities.

“By adhering to their reforms, this can also foster increased US investments,” he added.

The nominee underscored Sri Lanka’s geographic significance in the Indian Ocean.

“Sri Lanka is located along some of the busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean,” Meyer noted, pointing out that two-thirds of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through nearby waters.

He also mentioned the Port of Colombo, which is expected to enhance its capacity in the upcoming year, portraying it as a vital economic asset.

The economic turmoil faced by Sri Lanka in 2022 and the subsequent leasing of the Chinese-built Hambantota port have attracted ongoing scrutiny from the US and neighboring powers, including India. For Washington, Sri Lanka’s situation is increasingly viewed as a broader cautionary tale regarding infrastructure financing and strategic dependence in the Indo-Pacific.