A rather unnecessary statement made by XI Jumnping.
That China would protect SL is an accepted issue, since it is in consonance with the Chinee String of Pearls policy.
By stating it openly ( a very unusual aspect for the Chinese who are usually ambiguous), it is clearly an anti Indian statement, given that the Tamils of SL have supporters in TN.
But then, it is fine.
India should take cognisance of this, query the Chinese and then take a posture that keeps the Chinese on their toes.
Maybe allow a port of call to the US Navy and Airforce in the Andamans on a routine basis!
Exercises with the US Armed Forces in Ladakh and Arunachal also would give the correct message.
Sell arms to Vietnam and Philippines and have naval exercises with the US, Australian, Vietnamese and Japanese Navy.
These will obviously not be belligerent actions, but a caution that if you play tit, others can play tat!