Mapping Global China Conversation with Bhagya

In this episode, Bhagya Senaratne delves into Sri Lanka's long-standing ties with China, tracing the historical and contemporary significance of their relationship. She examines key Chinese projects in Sri Lanka, such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, discussing their potential for economic growth, criticisms of debt diplomacy, and their geopolitical implications amidst regional tensions with India.

About our featured guest:
Bhagya Senaratne is a Postdoctoral Fellow of Global Asia at the Center for Global Asia, NYU Shanghai. Previously, she was a Senior Lecturer (U.S. Associate Professor) in the Department of Strategic Studies, at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka (KDU). Her research at the Center for Global Asia focuses on the BRI in South Asia, focusing on vernacular literature. She researches and teaches on areas related to Foreign Policy Analysis (Sri Lanka, China, U.S.), Diplomacy, Strategic Communications and Maritime Security.

Timeline

1. Overview of Mapping Global China and introduction to Bhagya Senaratne (0:20)
2. China and Sri Lanka's historical tie (3:30)
3. Colombo Port City (6:00)
4. Hambantota Port and Debt Diplomacy (15:00)
5. Geopolitical Narratives: Regional dynamics with India and China's Belt and Road Initiative (20:00)
6. Future of Sino-Sri Lankan Relations (25:00)