COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - FEBRUARY 05: Tourists walk on the bridge at Marina Park in Colombo Port City Marina Park, the Chinese owned financial hub on the reclaimed land of the sea of Colombo on February 05, 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. China's investments in Sri Lanka have spanned various sectors, with a particular focus on infrastructure development, trade, and strategic positioning. One of the main reasons for China's interest is Sri Lanka's geographic location; situated in the Indian Ocean, it serves as a key maritime hub for global shipping lanes. For China, access to Sri Lanka is crucial for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as it helps secure trade routes to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)