(COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka on Friday refuted recent US intelligence claims that there are potential plans for a Chinese military base to be established in the island-nation.
State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon was quoted in the local media as saying that Sri Lanka has not engaged in any discussions with foreign governments, including China, regarding the establishment of a military base within its borders.
“Sri Lanka has not held discussions with any foreign Government including China for a possible establishment of a military base in Sri Lanka,” the State Minister was further quoted as saying.
In its annual threat assessment 2024 report this week, the US Intelligence Community said that China is exploring the possibility of establishing military facilities in various countries including Sri Lanka, in a bid to bolster their power projection capabilities and safeguard national interests.
“The US intelligence report on the possible establishment of a Chinese military base in Sri Lanka is inaccurate. We vehemently deny these claims,” the Minister was quoting as saying.
The State Minister has affirmed that Sri Lanka will not permit any foreign country to establish military bases within its borders under any circumstances.
