<p>Newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping today offered his support in protecting Sri Lanka's national sovereignty, hinting at Beijing's backing to stave off a US-backed resolution against the country at UN Rights Council.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Xi told his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahenda Rajapakse over phone that China supports his country's efforts to protect its national sovereignty, and would continue to offer assistance.<br /><br />China backed Sri Lanka when US brought about similar resolution last year over alleged human rights violation during the country's nearly three-decade long civil war.<br />It appears that Beijing may do the same, if comes to voting, continuing its efforts to court Colombo, much to discomfiture of India.<br /><br />During their telephone conversation, Rajapaksa congratulated Xi on his election as Chinese president, and said the two countries are close friends, according to state-run Xinhua news agency reported.<br /><br />The Sri Lankan people appreciate China's assistance to help the country promote peace, stability and development. Thanking Rajapaksa for his congratulations, Xi said China and Sri Lanka are friendly neighbours.<br /><br />For many years, bilateral ties have maintained a healthy and stable development momentum, with fruitful cooperation in all sectors. Xi also thanked the Sri Lankan president for the country's long-term support on issues regarding China's core interests and said China highly values the development of its relations with Sri Lanka.<br /><br />Xi said he hopes the two countries will make concerted efforts to promote their comprehensive relations of cooperation and partnership to even higher levels.<br /><br />The US is scheduled to move a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council against Sri Lanka over alleged human rights violations.<br /><br />US had adopted a similar resolution last year with India's support which bound Colombo to make rapid progress on reconciliation with the ethnic Tamils.<br /><br />According to rights groups, up to 40,000 Tamils were killed in the army's final battle against LTTE rebels.</p>
<p>Newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping today offered his support in protecting Sri Lanka's national sovereignty, hinting at Beijing's backing to stave off a US-backed resolution against the country at UN Rights Council.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Xi told his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahenda Rajapakse over phone that China supports his country's efforts to protect its national sovereignty, and would continue to offer assistance.<br /><br />China backed Sri Lanka when US brought about similar resolution last year over alleged human rights violation during the country's nearly three-decade long civil war.<br />It appears that Beijing may do the same, if comes to voting, continuing its efforts to court Colombo, much to discomfiture of India.<br /><br />During their telephone conversation, Rajapaksa congratulated Xi on his election as Chinese president, and said the two countries are close friends, according to state-run Xinhua news agency reported.<br /><br />The Sri Lankan people appreciate China's assistance to help the country promote peace, stability and development. Thanking Rajapaksa for his congratulations, Xi said China and Sri Lanka are friendly neighbours.<br /><br />For many years, bilateral ties have maintained a healthy and stable development momentum, with fruitful cooperation in all sectors. Xi also thanked the Sri Lankan president for the country's long-term support on issues regarding China's core interests and said China highly values the development of its relations with Sri Lanka.<br /><br />Xi said he hopes the two countries will make concerted efforts to promote their comprehensive relations of cooperation and partnership to even higher levels.<br /><br />The US is scheduled to move a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council against Sri Lanka over alleged human rights violations.<br /><br />US had adopted a similar resolution last year with India's support which bound Colombo to make rapid progress on reconciliation with the ethnic Tamils.<br /><br />According to rights groups, up to 40,000 Tamils were killed in the army's final battle against LTTE rebels.</p>