CHINA-PLA: DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS SRI LANKA AND NEPAL

Chinese Defence Minister 68-year old Chang Wanquan arrived in Sri Lanka on March 20 accompanied by the Deputy Commander of the PLA Navy Si Zhiquan. The problem centering on the Hambantota Port, where the Sri Lankan government is unwilling to accept China having a 80% share and two Sri Lankan individuals have approached the court, is top of the agenda for discussion. He will also visit a military facility. Chang Wanquan is to arrive in Nepal on March 23 for a 3-day visit where he will witness the first ever military exercise between the PLA and Nepal Army. 


(Comment: The inclusion of PLAN Rear Admiral Su Zhiquan in the Chinese Defence Minister's 5-member delegation is pertinent. He has visited Sri Lanka earlier in 2012. R/Adm Su Zhiquan was earlier with the South Sea Fleet and is now Deputy Commander of the PLAN and thus has experience ofissues related to the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and the Maritime Silk Route/OBOR. The Indian Army Chief will be visiting Nepal from March 28 when he will be conferred the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Nepal Army. Prachanda, Prime Minister of Nepal, is travelling to China the Boao Conference on March 23.)





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