"Commend Those Efforts": China On India's Aid To Crisis-Hit Lanka

"We have taken note that the Indian government has also done a lot in this regard. We commend those efforts," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on India's assistance to Sri Lanka

China on Wednesday praised India for helping Sri Lanka amid the unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation that has led to a shortage of fuel and other essential items. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters China "commends" India for efforts to mitigate the crisis in Sri Lanka.

"We have taken note that the Indian government has also done a lot in this regard. We commend those efforts. China is ready to work with India and the rest of the international community to help Sri Lanka and other developing countries experiencing difficulty to pull through the hardship as early as possible," Lijian said.

"The Chinese government will do its utmost and make full use of the channels available to deliver help to the Sri Lankan society," he replied to a question over a remark made by Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Mr Rajapaksa said in an interview on June 6 that Sri Lanka couldn't tap a $1.5 billion credit line from China and has yet to hear back on the request to China for a $1 billion loan. He said China seems to have shifted its strategic focus to Southeast Asia and Africa, and has less interest in South Asia.