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China is not involved with the UN initiative to channel aid supplies into Myanmar's Rakhine State from Bangladesh, says the Chinese envoy, also reaffirming their stand on noninterference in internal affairs.
Speaking at a function Thursday in Dhaka, the Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh, Yao Wen, also said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to push ahead with major initiatives and projects, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Mongla Port and Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong as well as the Teesta River project.
He also informs that the Chinese commerce minister is coming to Bangladesh this month at the head of a big team of over 100 investors.
"For the corridor issue, some so-called humanitarian corridor, I should say China is not involved. It is, as far as my understanding is concerned, is something initiated by United Nations agencies to provide humanitarian supply to Rakhine State for people affected by the conflict," he said to a question after a seminar on China-Bangladesh ties.
Elaborating on China's stance on this issue he further said, "I learned also that Myanmar, even the Arakan Army, was involved, but China is not involved in this matter."
The envoy also cited some clarification, either by the foreign adviser or the National Security Advisor, on this issue and said China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country.
"We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country," Mr Wen said, hoping that Bangladesh and Myanmar can solve the Rohingya issue through peaceful dialog and promote the process of repatriation.
About a proposal raised by a political party for creating a separate territory in Myanmar for Rohingya Muslims, he said he was not aware of any such idea. Jamaat E Islami also denied the report that said it had raised such proposal in their meeting with the Chinese envoy.
Asked about the latest update on the long-stalled Teesta River management project, he said as Bangladesh welcomed Chinese participation in the project, China is ready to get involved.
"I should say we are ready. We are willing to offer our help. But now it is up to Bangladesh to make a decision whether you want to move forward."
Referring to suggestions for implementing the project either bilateral way, or trilateral way, or by international consortium, he said it is for Bangladesh decide. But he noted that the Teesta project should be started immediately.
The Chinese envoy earlier delivered his speech at the seminar titled 'Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height'.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar where Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, and its DG Major-General Iftekhar Anis also spoke. Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of the International Relations Department of Dhaka University presented the keynote.
The diplomat said since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries On 4 October 1975, the China-Bangladesh bilateral ties have flourished across all dimensions - from political and economic cooperation to military exchanges and cultural connections.
The mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges deepened and elevated this relationship to what it is today - a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, he said.
He highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping's foreign-policy principles: "All countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, are equal members of the international community. They have the right to equally participate in regional and international affairs."
China champions a multi-polar world where sovereign equality is paramount. "Every nation, regardless of size, strength or wealth, deserves full respect for its sovereignty and dignity. No country shall interfere in others' internal affairs, and all states have the fundamental right to independently choose their social systems and paths of development."
He notes that Chinese Belt and Road programme has injected strong impetus into its economic growth, substantially improved the infrastructure, and has made remarkable contributions to the wellbeing of Bangladeshi people.
Over the years, the Chinese enterprises have created 550,000 job opportunities for Bangladesh, built 8 railways, 12 roads, 21 bridges, and 31 power stations.
Mr Wen said China is the largest investor in Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government. China has granted zero-tariff treatment to Bangladeshi exports, promised to extend this preferential policy to 2028, two years after the graduation from the LDC status.
About the Chinese investment in Bangladesh he informed that since last August, over 15 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh, with a total intended investment of around USD400 million.
More than 30 companies have signed letters of investment intent with the Chittagong Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, with a total investment of over $1.0 billion.
China is also accelerating the exportation of Bangladeshi mangoes to China, and by early June this year, the first batch of fresh mangoes will be on the Chinese market, he added.
"On top of that, procedures for importing Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava are also ongoing. We hope that Bangladesh can soon open up Hilsa export to China -- after all, Chinese foodies can't wait to enjoy this delicious fish on their dining tables."
He points out that as more of Bangladesh's quality agri-products make their way to China, and as more Chinese companies bring investment and innovation to this vibrant land, something incredible happen.
He hopes Bangladesh's industries will grow stronger, supply chains will become more robust, and -- most importantly -- people's lives will be better with new opportunities and greater prosperity.
He also mentions that Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao will lead more than 100 Chinese investors to visit Bangladesh at the end of this month.
"During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment-exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises will engage and explore more cooperation opportunities."
Meanwhile, the 15th Meeting of the China-Bangladesh Joint Economic and Trade Commission will be held to agree on concrete measures to further economic and trade cooperation.
He said due to the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, the number of Chinese enterprises and people in Bangladesh have continued to rise. Now, there are 68 flights operating weekly, which transport more than 13,000 passengers, linking the two countries more closely together.
"And it's good news to hear that the air route from Kunming to Chittagong is also set to open soon."
He announced that a consignment of advanced automated rehabilitation equipment, valued 1.5 million US dollars, has already arrived in Bangladesh.
He said as the most trustworthy friend and a reliable development partner, China will continue to stand by the interim government, support Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, and help the Bangladeshi people to build a better and more prosperous new Bangladesh.
"China is encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Bangladesh, expanding cooperation in areas ranging from digital economy to green economy from marine economy to infrastructure and water conservancy."
China has responded favourably to Chief Adviser's proposal on industrial relocation, to create a deeper industrial supply chains integration, and achieve the modernisation of both nations.
To further advance healthcare collaboration, the embassy has introduced special visa-facilitation measures for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in China.
He said China stood ready to support Bangladesh on matters that include cooperation in South Asia, regional connectivity, the Rohingya issue, and to coordinate positions in the United Nations and other multilateral forums to release the positive effects of China-Bangladesh friendship to the region and the world, maintain peace and stability in South Asia, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
About the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Chinese envoy said, "India launched military strikes on targets in Pakistan on the early morning of May 7. China finds that regrettable and is concerned about the ongoing situation. India and Pakistan are and will always be each other's neighbours. They're both China's neighbours as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism and calls for an impartial investigation at an early date."
China urges both sides to act in the interest of peace and stability, stay calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.
Mr Wen said as an independent sovereign state, Bangladesh must be free from external interference.
"The Bangladeshi people have the right to determine their own path of development. China has consistently and firmly supported Bangladesh in upholding its independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, as well as in pursuing a modernisation path suited to its national conditions".
In turn, he notes, Bangladesh has steadfastly upheld the one-China principle, rejected the so-called "Taiwan independence," and adhered to the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs. It has also resolutely defended the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and supported China's positions on questions of its core interests, including the Taiwan question, Xinjiang -related question, human rights, and the South China Sea.
He mentions that recently, the US side has, through multiple channels, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues and China has cautiously decided to engage with them, taking into account global expectations, national interests, and appeals from American industries and consumers.
"Vice Premier He Lifeng, as the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the U.S. lead person, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12," Mr Wen informs.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com