India's proposal for association has been long seen as weakness by our beloved neighbors. And continue to do so. Not our problem. It's our nature, we don't usually bully.
Whenever a big power proposes for association to its neighbours, it is usually seen with sceptical eyes because no one wants to rely on the big one next to her for whatever reason. Today's "association" could become tomorrow's "control".
Anyway we are not fighting any war with China as both of us are way too smart for that. But chinese are restless people, they will always aim to contain us in order to keep us away from economic competition as they have their share of aprihensons. For that it is developing so called string of pearls. Ok they can do it. Even our beloved neighbors can choose to be its parts. But are we missing anything, oh yes we are? We are not what we were during 60 years of Congress rule. We will use out tricks of trade to keep pacifying China so much so that tension my rarely go up. In that situation the importance of so called perls in string will decrease. And that will leave our beloved neighbors cut, chewed and spit to dry. At that point it will be us towards whom they will run. As it has been spoken by others, neither yellow sea is coming here nor Himalaya is pushing someone further north.
Certainly it is good thing for Sri Lanka that 2 parties competing for her friendship. But unfortunately that is not how economic competition works out.
1. China have a deeper pocket than you.
2. Chinese need their port while India doesn't. So you are suggesting India to spend money on something you won't see value return.
But we have to consider that once in time shit will surely hit fan and Chinese submarines may refuel at any sri lankan port and Sri Lankans may very well welcome them with red carpet in thier pursuit towards beneficial chinese friedship that ofcourse compromising big time on our security.
Well, according to International law, Sri Lanka can refuel Chinese submarine any time as long as these submarines are not carrying battle mission. And there is no treaty on Sri Lanka to do so during war time.
Whether or not they will sign such kind of treaty depends on India. If India can offer no economic benefit but threat, well, there is a chance that they will do.
Quite real and sometime it will happen surely . So what do we do. Let me avoid any direct reply, but will say, we are not second to anyone in IOR. Furthermore, don't let 60 years of Gandhi rule fool you. Times are changing and have already changed considerably. We now carry a big stick with usual white lilly. Choose what you like.
Oh, you are second to American in IOR. So, here is your situation:
1. American has a bigger stick in your neighbourhood;
2. Chinese is giving larger carrot to your neighbour.