By: Staff Writer
May 06, Colombo (LNW): In a significant diplomatic engagement, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited Colombo, Sri Lanka, to fortify bilateral defense cooperation and express apprehensions regarding China’s assertive maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific region.
This visit marks the second by a Japanese defense minister, underscoring Japan’s strategic interest in Sri Lanka, a nation pivotal to key maritime routes.
During discussions with Sri Lankan officials, Nakatani highlighted Japan’s “serious concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” alluding to China’s activities in the East and South China Seas.
He emphasized the necessity of reinforcing partnerships to ensure regional prosperity amid escalating uncertainties in the international landscape.
The two nations are set to enhance collaboration across all military branches. Plans include inviting the Sri Lanka Army to observe disaster response exercises in Japan and joint development of air rescue and medical evacuation capabilities.
Additionally, Nakatani’s meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya culminated in a mutual agreement on the importance of upholding a free and open maritime order, vital for Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
Japan’s outreach to Sri Lanka aligns with its broader strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
Historically, Japan was Sri Lanka’s largest aid donor until 2007, but China’s substantial investments, including the Hambantota Port and a recent $3.7 billion oil refinery project, have shifted Colombo’s economic engagements eastward. Despite this, Japan maintains a favorable image in Sri Lanka, attributed to longstanding cultural ties and soft power diplomacy.
The strategic significance of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean has not gone unnoticed by Japan. The island nation sits astride vital sea lanes, making it a focal point in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative championed by Tokyo. Japan’s commitment to this vision is evident in its support for maritime security, provision of coast guard patrol vessels, and infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka.
However, public sentiment between Japan and China remains strained. A 2024 survey indicated that nearly 90% of Japanese and Chinese citizens harbor unfavorable views of each other, influenced by territorial disputes and historical grievances.
This mutual distrust further complicates regional dynamics and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships like that between Japan and Sri Lanka.
As Japan continues to navigate the complexities of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, its deepening ties with Sri Lanka signify a concerted effort to promote stability and counterbalance China’s regional ambitions.
