Sri Lanka–Taiwan relations

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Sri Lankan–Taiwanese relations

Taiwan
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka–Taiwan relations refer to the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka (officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China, ROC). The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, as Sri Lanka officially recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC) under the One-China policy.[1]

History

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Following Sri Lanka's recognition of the People's Republic of China in 1950, official diplomatic ties with the Republic of China were severed. Since then, exchanges between Taiwan and Sri Lanka have taken place primarily through trade organizations and private associations, without official government representation on either side.[2]

Economic relations

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Trade between Taiwan and Sri Lanka continues despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. In recent years, Taiwan's exports to Sri Lanka have reached approximately US$340 million annually, while imports from Sri Lanka have totaled around US$71 million. Taiwanese companies have invested around US$7 million in Sri Lanka, primarily in the textile and garment sectors, food manufacturing, and transportation equipment production and repair.[3]

In June 2017, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) to enhance bilateral economic collaboration and promote trade and investment opportunities.[4]

The agreement was signed in Taipei by TAITRA President Walter M. S. Yeh and FITIS Chairman Kithsiri Manchanayakke, who described it as a milestone for bilateral cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT).[5]

The collaboration aligns with Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, aimed at strengthening trade and cultural exchanges with South and Southeast Asia.[6]

Diplomatic stance

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Like most South Asian nations, Sri Lanka adheres to the One China policy and maintains official relations with Beijing rather than Taipei.[7]

In December 2024, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya mistakenly referred to Taiwan by its official name, the "Republic of China," during a ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, leading to what local media described as a "diplomatic gaffe".[8]

Amarasuriya later criticized the local press for exaggerating the incident, reaffirming her government's diplomatic stance toward the PRC.[9]

Academic cooperation

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In 2019, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) in Taiwan and the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka jointly established the Taiwan and Sri Lanka Marine Research Station (TSMRS). The facility, inaugurated on 4 December 2019, was attended by 17 professors from NSYSU and focused on research in land ecosystem conservation, biochemical compounds and mushrooms, and technology for smart farming.[10] Earlier that year, NSYSU and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched the Taiwan and Sri Lanka Environmental Change Sciences and Technology Innovation Center (TS/ECSTIC), focusing on environmental change and technological innovation.[11] Both projects were aligned with Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, aimed at fostering cooperation and student exchanges in South and Southeast Asia.[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Shen, David (5 August 2025). "How Many Countries Back Chinese Sovereignty Over Taiwan?". Commonwealth Magazine. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  2. ^ "President reiterates Sri Lanka's commitment to One-China policy". TV Derana. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  3. ^ "Taiwan overcomes political barriers to build economic ties with South Asia". Daily News (Sri Lanka). 18 June 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Taiwan, Sri Lanka sign pact to boost collaboration". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan). 6 June 2017. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  5. ^ "Taiwan, Sri Lanka sign pact to boost collaboration". Taiwan Today. 5 June 2017. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  6. ^ Wu, Chee-Hann (17 February 2025). "Taiwan's NSP Enabling a Better World: Perspectives from the Next Generation". Taiwan Insight. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Lanka bolsters one-China policy, incorporating Tibet and Xinjiang". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 19 January 2025. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Diplomatic gaffes embarrass Lanka's friendly nations". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 15 December 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  9. ^ "PM blames media for trying create diplomatic issues with China". Newswire. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  10. ^ "Taiwan launches marine resources research center in Sri Lanka". Overseas Community Affairs Council. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  11. ^ "A New Tie between Taiwan and Sri Lanka: National Sun Yat-sen University and University of Ruhuna Establish A Research Station". National Sun Yat-sen University. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  12. ^ "Team researches climate change with Sri Lanka". Taipei Times. 9 March 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2025.