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Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” policy and pledged to deepen strategic ties with Beijing, as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman moves to consolidate key foreign relationships following his inauguration.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks during a meeting in Dhaka with Yao Wen, China’s ambassador to Bangladesh, where the two sides exchanged what officials described as in-depth views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of shared interest.
According to a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, Rahman thanked the ambassador for his congratulations and for conveying the best wishes of Chinese leaders.
He stated that Bangladesh would “firmly adhere to the One China principle”, uphold its longstanding friendship with Beijing and work to further deepen cooperation, the spokesman said.
“The prime minister said Dhaka was willing to collaborate with China to elevate the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height,” said the spokesman.
Ambassador Yao congratulated Rahman on his inauguration and on what he described as the successful holding of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections. He conveyed the “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes” of Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China.
The ambassador said Beijing was prepared to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen “comprehensive pragmatic cooperation” with the new government in Dhaka.
He added that China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national unity, stability, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing foreign interference. Beijing also encouraged Bangladesh to play a greater role in international and regional affairs.
The renewed emphasis on the One China policy – under which countries recognise Beijing as the sole legal government of China and do not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan – underscores Dhaka’s intention to maintain policy continuity with one of its most significant economic and strategic partners.
China is among Bangladesh’s largest trading partners and a major source of infrastructure financing, placing the relationship at the heart of Dhaka’s efforts to balance regional power dynamics while advancing its own development agenda.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com