As Chinese influence grows, Japanese warship visits Sri Lanka

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Reuters
Tim Kelly  October 1, 2018 / 5:46 AM / Updated 11 hours ago

[excerpt]

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-defence-indonesia-sri-lanka-ins/as-chinese-influence-grows-japanese-warship-visits-sri-lanka-idUSKCN1MB221

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Japan’s largest warship, the Kaga helicopter carrier, sailed into Sri Lanka’s Colombo harbor this weekend, marking Tokyo’s highest profile salvo in a diplomatic battle with China for influence along the region’s vital commercial sea lanes.

Japan has long provided low-interest loans and aid to Sri Lanka, helping it transform Colombo into a major trans-shipment port tapping the artery of global trade just south of the island that links Europe and the Middle East with Asia.

Beijing has, however, emerged as a powerful rival across South Asia and beyond as it implements its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.