Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, said on Saturday that tea is playing a significant role in enhancing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China.

He made the remarks while speaking in a seminar as the guest of honour. The seminar was on ‘Tea and the World: Aesthetic Meeting,’ organized by the Chinese Corner of the Political Studies Department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

"Tea is not just a beverage; it is a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and people-to-people connection between Bangladesh and China," Li said. "In Chinese civilization, tea represents harmony, patience, wisdom, and human connection."

SUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AM Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sajedul Karim and other senior faculty members were present as special guests.

During the technical session, Dr. Yang Hui, Director of the Confucius Institute at Dhaka University, presented a keynote on the history and traditions of Chinese tea culture.

The seminar also featured a cultural segment including dance and musical performances by students. A highlight of the event was a day-long art exhibition featuring 20 paintings by various artists, depicting their travel experiences in China and various aspects of Chinese culture.

The event was presided over by Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Head of the Political Studies Department, and moderated by Prof. Dr. Md. Shahabul Haq, Coordinator of the Chinese Corner.

Organizers noted that the exhibition remained open to students and visitors throughout the day to promote cultural understanding through art and tradition, according to a press release.