China said that it is ready to submit all its projects in Sri Lanka for review, and that these projects will proceed further only upon getting clearance from the Lankan government.

China’s Special Envoy and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Liu Jianchao, told this to Sri Lankan media in Colombo on Friday.

Liu Jianchao, who is in Sri Lanka on a two day visit heading a 10-member delegation, said that he is confident that Sino-Lankan relations will continue to be strong.

Meanwhile, when asked if China cares for good governance, the Special Envoy said that China believes in good governance but it also gives importance to “independence”. Independence from foreign interference in domestic matters is essential for economic development, he stated.

The Chinese Special Envoy commented on visits by Chinese submarines to Sri Lanka last year which had irked India, Liu said that the visits had adhered to Sri Lankan laws. And, at any rate, other countries had also sent their warships to Lanka on visits, he pointed out.

Liu Jianchao had met President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and other dignitaries earlier in the day.

Lankan Foreign Minister Samaraweera is scheduled to visit China in the latter part of this month at the invitation of the Chinese government. President Sirisena is to undertake a State Visit to China in March.