LKI’s Wignaraja speaks on ‘China in South Asia’ at UK institutes
View(s):Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Chair of the Global Economy Programme at Colombo’s Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) recently made two presentations in London on the topic of China in South Asia; one at the South Asia Centre of the London School of Economics (LSE), and the other at Chatham House.
At the LSE South Asia Centre, Dr. Wignaraja spoke at the South Asia Summit 2018 on March 10, a conference that debated topics of pan-South Asian significance, according to a LKI media release.
The LSE South Asia Centre aims to work with individuals, organisations, think tanks, the media, governments and parastatal institutions to debate South Asia among its constituent countries and with the world at large, through multi-faceted dialogue and debate, and to position South Asia as a dynamic global region influencing wider challenges and powers.
During the session titled “Is China South Asia’s Principal Ally?,” Dr. Wignaraja explored China’s increasing geopolitical influence in South Asia over the past few years including via and trade agreements and systematic investments in infrastructure like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the proposed project of a Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and the 99-year lease of Sri Lanka’s port of Hambantota.
On March 14, he spoke at the think tank, Chatham House, on “China’s Outlook and Changing Role in South Asia.” Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute based in London. Dr. Wignaraja discussed the opportunities for closer economic cooperation between China and South Asia, in light of China’s slowdown and India’s economic reforms.
He also outlined China and India’s economic outlook for 2018-2020 and beyond, and examined the political challenges to rising Chinese influence in South Asia, as well as how powers in Europe and the US can prepare for a multipolar world economy. He said that China would see a soft growth landing amid an uncertain global upturn and that its economic ties in South Asia would increase. He argued for increased regional cooperation in Asia to maximize the benefits of these developments. The seminar was attended by over 50 academics, diplomats, and government officials.