Over the last ten years China has been paying renewed attention to its ties with Sri Lanka. There has been a large rise in Chinese investments in various projects in Sri Lanka. Beijing has also diplomatically supported Colombo on various issues, especially on charges of human rights violations. In return, Sri Lanka has played an important role in helping China enhance its influence and prestige in the South Asian region. Notably, since taking over as president, Xi Jinping has accorded special focus to this relationship. Xi visited Sri Lanka in September 2014, the first visit by any Chinese President, in 28 years.