(PTI) China has promised to extend its "fullest" support to Sri Lanka, which has been under pressure over alleged rights violations, at international forums whenever the need arises, External Affairs Minister G L Peiris said today.
Peiris, who is accompanying Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a visit to China, told a state radio here today that China has assured the country of its support in situations of discomfort.
Peiris said the assurance was made by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao when Rajapaksa called on him in Beijing.
"Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said he will extend its fullest support in all necessary situations to Sri Lanka in international fora," Peiris told the ”Lakhanda” radio on a voice despatch from Beijing.
Peiris added that the Chinese Premier also promised action for Sri Lanka”s exports to increase its gains in China.
Rajapaksa”s four-day China visit came on an invitation by the Chinese Premier extended at the economic summit in St Petersburg, Russia.
Analysts say Sri Lanka banks on Chinese veto power to annul any UN Security Council resolution that may lead to economic sanctions against it.
China came in support of Sri Lanka when UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon”s advisory panel issued its report on Sri Lanka in April, accusing the government of committing war crimes during the last stages of the military conflict with the LTTE.
It called for the establishment of an independent investigation.
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