China today launched an attack on countries that were pressing Sri Lanka on human rights issues, pledging to support the Sri Lankan government defend its ‘national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity’.
Responding to a query regarding the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister, G.L Peiris’, visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said,
“We believe that the people in Sri Lanka have the wisdom and capacity to manage their internal affairs and oppose some countries’ interference in Sri Lanka’s domestic affairs under the pretext of human rights issues. We oppose politicising and imposing double standards on the issue of human rights.”
Commenting on Peiris’ visit, she said,
“The Sri Lankan side briefed us on its post war reconciliation. China applauds Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote economic and social development and improve people’s livelihood and human rights.”