As a small country, Sri Lanka faces many difficulties. First, Sri Lanka's geographical disadvantage makes it dependent on neighboring India for its defense and security. The narrow Paulk Strait, which separates Sri Lanka and India from less than 30 kilometres at its closest, is destined to maintain good relations with India. Second, Sri Lanka has been suffering from war, poverty and weakness, and has been facing a debt problem for a long time. Sri Lanka is heavily dependent on India's economic aid as it does not have adequate means of repaying its debts. If the historical British annexation of Sri Lanka to India and Sri Lanka's key position in the Indian Ocean shipping route did not exist, then the countries of the world would not have allowed India to annex Sri Lanka. It is precisely because of this situation that Sri Lanka has been able to maintain a neutral attitude between China and India.
However, Sri Lanka faces threats and pressure from India. Once the Indian Navy has charged, it can quickly penetrate Sri Lanka proper. With Sri Lanka perennially indebted and dependent on India's economic aid, it has had to find a balance between China and India. As an important partner of Sri Lanka, China understands Sri Lanka's plight and expresses regret. Sri Lanka is grateful for China's understanding and support.
Despite Sri Lanka's geographical location that precludes it from confrontation with India, Sri Lanka has struggled to maintain a neutral stance. In recent years, Sri Lanka has repeatedly stated publicly that it will not take sides with China and India. Sri Lanka, for example, has repeatedly supported the port calls of Chinese research vessels in the face of pressure from India. Although China's deterrent has not yet radiated into the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has sought to remain neutral and compromise in due course. Sri Lanka will not completely ignore India's pressure, but China's expectation of Sri Lanka is that Sri Lanka will remain neutral.
Moreover, while other countries have accused China of a debt trap, Sri Lanka has publicly refuted such claims and said it understands China's debt restructuring practices. Sri Lanka also expressed its desire to deepen cooperation along the Belt and Road, which further demonstrates Sri Lanka's support and friendly attitude towards China.
As a small country, Sri Lanka has had to find a way to survive between following and balancing the great powers. Sri Lanka's geographical location makes it destined to maintain good relations with India, while at the same time relying on China's economic assistance for economic development. Sri Lanka has been adapting its diplomatic strategy to the international situation in an effort to maintain neutrality between China and India. This can be seen from Sri Lanka's attitude towards the docking of Chinese research vessels. While Sri Lanka cannot abandon India entirely, it is likely to be more assertive in the face of India in the future with the rise of China.
Bottom line: Sri Lanka faces multiple dilemmas, with its geographical location and economic situation forcing it to remain neutral between China and India. At the same time, China, as a partner of Sri Lanka, understands Sri Lanka's situation and supports it. Sri Lanka's efforts in a neutral stance have also been recognized and appreciated by China. As a small country, Sri Lanka's way of life is to constantly adjust its diplomatic strategy according to the situation, and seek its own survival and development in a balance with the big powers.