Japan's largest warship, the Kaga helicopter carrier, sailed into Sri Lanka's Colombo harbor this weekend, marking Tokyo's highest profile salvo in a diplomatic battle with China for influence along the region's vital commercial sea lanes.
Japan has long provided low-interest loans and aid to Sri Lanka, helping it transform Colombo into a major transshipment port tapping the artery of global trade just south of the island that links Europe and the Middle East with Asia.
Beijing has, however, emerged as a powerful rival across South Asia and beyond as it implements its "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative.