China eyes trilateral move with South Asian neighbors

China is willing to discuss with Sri Lanka and India possible areas and means to conduct trilateral cooperation, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Observers have noted that the new Sri Lankan government has chosen New Delhi as the destination of the president's first trip abroad, rather than China.

Both Sri Lanka and India are important neighbors in South Asia, and China takes an open-minded attitude toward seeking cooperation between the three, Wang said.

"China hopes to strike good bilateral ties with both nations and is also glad to see the development of Sri Lanka-India relations," Wang said.

He suggested that the three countries, all with abundant Buddhist tourism resources, could cooperate in developing related travel routes.

The minister also said that Beijing and New Delhi could make joint efforts in providing assistance to boost Colombo's economic and social development.

Sound interaction among the three will not only serve individual interests but also help maintain regional peace and stability, Wang said.