Editor's note: In a signed article published in Sri Lanka's Daily News before his visit to the country on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposal to address the evolving China-Sri Lanka relations. Following are excerpts:

1 Vision

Xi said the two countries should coordinate development strategies and work as partners in pursuit of "common dreams". He noted that Sri Lanka envisions itself becoming a five-fold hub - maritime, aviation, commerce, energy and knowledge - which coincides with China's proposal to build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.