Chinese leader Xi Jinping returned home after visiting Serbia, Hungary & France last week. France colonized southern parts of Great China (French Indochina) decades ago & therefore, Sino-French socio economic connectivity is centuries old but not as old as Sino-Lanka relations. China & France are permanent members of the UN Security Council. France is China's 3^rd largest trading partner in the EU & the 3^rd largest source of actual investment. China is France's largest trading partner in Asia & its 7^th largest globally. Two countries are connected via the ‘China- Spain’ railway (longest rail track in the world) & 77,000 train trips have taken place between the two countries during 2013 – 2023. France was recently embarrassed when Australia scraped its Submarine deal with France due to pressure from USA & UK. Many analysts see Sino-French relations along the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) as the cause. With China launching its 3^rd aircraft carrier ‘Fujian’ on 8^th May the anti China sentiment may increase further.

Artificial Intelligence

During the visit President Xi issued a joint statement with French leader Emmanuel Macron on Artificial Intelligence (AI) pledging to promote the responsible development & use of AI for the benefit of all. They also pledged to promote the development of AI governance frameworks that are flexible, inclusive & transparent. While acknowledging the contributions of AI & the need for international cooperation to develop it, they stressed on using AI responsibly for human centered common good. Two leaders called for these frameworks to protect individual privacy & promote ethical AI development to ensure that AI is used in consistent with international law (Ref. French media). As per experts AI shall revolutionize human lives & associated challenges such as the; impact on employment, misuse for malicious purposes & ethical implications.

Maritime Threats

During the meeting two presidents reaffirmed the vital role of the two maritime nations in protecting marine ecosystems & agreed to take action to protect & restore marine & coastal biodiversity. They focused on promoting environmental multilateralism & combating illegal fishing & controlling marine pollution. Financing biodiversity conservation & scientific cooperation to enhance cooperation in green shipping & the blue economy are also critical. In essence Sri Lankans should focus on all above as same issues are having a direct impact on national stability especially during 2024 & in the coming years as;

• SL is competing with many countries in the Indian Ocean Rim to stabilize its economy.
• SL is fast digitizing most essential services to support economic restructuring.
• Indian election is winding while its economy is on fast track to be world’s 5^th and
• SL is a maritime partner of the BRI.

If Super Powers France & China are having obstacles, one may imagine the fate of a small island nation.

Photos: Chinese President in France & China’s 3^rd aircraft carrier Fujian (Source: Chinese media).

(Views expressed are personal).