China
Election 2024: China congratulates PM Hasina, says committed to working with her
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully holding of the 12th National Parliamentary Election and Awami League’s victory.
Ambassador Yao conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes from Chinese leaders to PM Sheikh Hasina this morning.
The Chinese ambassador called on PM Hasina at Ganabhaban and reaffirmed that Chinese leaders are committed to working with her to carry forward the long-established friendship, enhance mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation – thereby uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height.
Ambassador Yao noted that both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, and China would always be the most trustworthy partner and the most reliable friend of Bangladesh on the way to modernization.
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Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Sheikh Hasina, China and Bangladesh have set a model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
China will firmly support Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, it said.
China will also support Bangladesh in maintaining unity and stability, and in playing a more active role in international and regional affairs, said the embassy.
China is committed to assisting Bangladesh in realizing the “Vision 2041” and the dream of “Sonar Bangla,” it said.
Ambassador Yao said that China is prepared to strengthen all-round cooperation with Bangladesh, and take due actions to facilitate and expand trade and investment with Bangladesh, promote high-quality China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation, and make its own contribution to realizing “Smart Bangladesh”.
Read more: Election 2024: Former BNP vice chairman Shahjahan Omar wins from Jhalakathi-1
World Insights: After 45 years, closer China-U.S. ties still depend on people
As the world counts down to a new year, the China-U.S. diplomatic relationship is set to welcome its 45th anniversary.
Back in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, held a historic meeting in San Francisco. Many, not just Chinese and Americans, are now hoping that the summit is a new starting point for bilateral relations."It is the convergence of many streams of goodwill and friendship that has created a strong current surging across the vast Pacific Ocean; it is the reaching out to each other by our peoples that has time and again brought China-U.S. relations from a low ebb back onto the right track," Xi said at the welcome dinner during his visit to California in November for the China-U.S. summit meeting and the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
FROM BUDDING TO BLOOMINGFifty-two years ago, a tiny ping-pong ball played a vital part in the budding rapprochement between China and America after more than two decades of estrangement.The real breakthrough in ties came with a public encounter between a pair of ping-pong players during the 1971 World Table Tennis Championships in Japan. Footage caught their friendly exchange, and the unexpected goodwill between the American and Chinese teams soon became the talk of the tournament and preluded a milestone visit leading to the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations."That seemingly small gesture had a huge symbolic significance," Gene Sykes, chairman of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, told Xinhua, adding, "The impact of this event went far beyond the realm of sports. It was the opening for a wide range of collaborations which spanned the scientific, cultural, artistic and educational domains."Today, this chapter in China-U.S. relations, known as "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," still resonates over half a century later. The goodwill, which thawed relations between the two countries, dispelled the specter of the Cold War and brought the two countries together, serving as a vivid example of cooperation trumping estrangement."History has demonstrated that building bridges is a much better strategy than building walls or digging moats" between the United States and China, said Tom Watkins, a former advisor to the Michigan-China Innovation Center."I still remember what 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy' was like between the United States and China in the early 1970s and I think we should try it again," said Stephen Mull, former U.S. acting undersecretary of state for political affairs.
STORYTELLERS, BRIDGE BUILDERSFriendship between people holds the key to sound relations between states, and people from both sides as storytellers and bridge builders can play their part.Their bond has laid the groundwork for bilateral ties, helped navigate the relationship through choppy waters, and will continue to work wonders in the years to come.Despite the tumultuous years in their relations, the Chinese and American peoples at the grassroots level are telling their own stories about each other and emphasize how critical it is to deepen their exchanges, no matter from the business, academic or cultural communities.U.S. opinion polls have shown that the younger generation has a different attitude towards China compared to the older generation, said Warwick Powell, adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology."The youths experienced the benefits of exchanges with people from all walks of life and understand that there is no reason why people from different parts of the world cannot find common ground and achieve things together in the interests of everybody," he said.Brooke Leonard, a 32-year-old ping-pong aficionado from Los Angeles, said he has gained so much fun from learning, playing and appreciating the sport. Besides making friends with many Chinese through this sport, he is now recommending it to his American friends and family.In southwest China's megacity Chongqing, a museum dedicated to the Flying Tigers stands to tell a touching tale of Americans and Chinese fighting side by side during wartime and of how grateful the Chinese people are for their bravery and sacrifice.In November, an over 30-member delegation of the Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants visited Kunming, the starting point of "the Hump," a vital airlift route over the Himalayas and the primary way the Allies supplied China between 1942 and 1945 in World War II.Today, memorials, exhibitions and events to honor that chapter in history epitomize the deep friendship between the two peoples that withstood the test of blood and fire. And more than 1,000 Flying Tigers veterans and their families have been invited to visit China.Americans, for their part, always remember the Chinese who risked their lives to save American pilots. Offspring of those American pilots often visit the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall in east China's Zhejiang Province to pay tribute to the Chinese for their heroic efforts.From U.S. entrepreneurs visiting China, to "Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship Forum," and from the delegation of U.S. Flying Tigers visiting China, to the fifth China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference, the Chinese and American peoples have demonstrated good will and a firm friendship, injecting impetus into bilateral ties and cooperation.These heartening stories can help improve the ailing China-U.S. relationship. That is probably the best way to carry on the legacy in the new era.
"THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT"Martin Luther King, a leading figure of the American civil rights movement in the 1950s, once said, "The time is always right to do what is right."The whole world is watching the two major countries, hoping they will continue the positive momentum in their relations from the San Francisco summit and engage in more "maintenance work" regarding their relationship.There are numerous reasons to make the China-U.S. relationship work. Ordinary people on both sides want this. The world also wants this."As a planet, we are facing multiple challenges -- the need to nourish the hungry, manage climate change, sustain economic growth and job creation, and maintain global stability. We hope there will be a positive reset and improved relations between the two major countries," said Grant Kimberley, a sixth-generation soybean farmer and marketing director of the Iowa Soybean Association.The future depends on joint efforts from both peoples, particularly from the younger generation. For China-U.S. relations, the hope lies in the people, the foundation rests on the people, and the future lies with the youth.To increase bilateral exchanges, particularly between the youth, China has announced a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Meanwhile, a growing number of young Americans have joined the Flying Tigers Friendship Schools and Youth Leadership Program, launched by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation in 2022.These tangible efforts, step by step, have helped nurture the seeds of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation on both sides."The more exchanges, whether they're educational, sports or music, or any kind of exchange between our two countries ... if we can learn to do that, I think we can break down barriers and open up communication that is just phenomenal," said Connie Sweeris, the American table tennis champion who took part in the ice-breaking trip to China in 1971."We have been partners in war, now let us always be partners in peace," said Mel McMullen, a Flying Tigers veteran.
Yearender: 2023 brings a tapestry of challenges and progress to the Middle East
It was a turbulent year for the Middle East. The region witnessed bouts of reconciliation, conflict and disaster. Despite an unsettling year, a glimmer of hope remains on the horizon.
HISTORICAL RAPPROCHEMENT PROGRESS
Reconciliation and cooperation were prominent features in the Mideast during 2023, the landmark event of which was the normalization of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
With the mediation of China, the two arch-rivals agreed in March to restore ties after a seven-year hiatus and re-established respective embassies and consulates. The visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Riyadh in November to attend the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit marked the first visit by an Iranian head of state to Saudi Arabia in over a decade.
Osama Danura, a Syrian political expert, said that China played an important role in restoring Saudi-Iranian diplomatic relations, with the country's efforts welcomed by the two sides and other regional players.
Israel launches heavy strikes across central and southern Gaza after widening its offensive
At the end of 2023, the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the Houthi militia committed to implementing a nationwide ceasefire, lifting economic restrictions, and engaging in preparations to resume inclusive UN-led political negotiations.
Hadeer Said, a professor of international relations at the Cairo-based Institute of Arab Research and Studies, said that rapprochement between Riyadh and Teheran helped in defusing the crisis between Houthis in Yemen and Saudi, which will contribute to settling the inflaming Yemeni crisis.
Furthermore, several reconciliation developments have been achieved in the region in 2023. Syria regained its membership in the Arab League after a suspension of over a decade, Türkiye and Egypt exchanged ministerial visits for the first time in years, and Qatar resumed diplomatic relations with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"Peace, unity, cooperation and development are in the interests of the people of Arab countries," said Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the 32nd Arab League Summit held in May, stressing that "we will not let the region become a conflict zone."
In the meantime, countries in the Middle East have played an increasingly important role in international and regional multilateral organizations. In July, Iran officially joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In August, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran were invited to join the BRICS cooperation bloc.
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DEADLY DISASTERS & CONFLICTS
Yet multiple disasters, including earthquakes in Türkiye and Morocco, hurricanes in Libya, and conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Yemen, all cast a shadow over the region.
On Feb. 6, a powerful earthquake struck southern Türkiye near the border with Syria, killing more than 50,000 people, leaving millions homeless and causing an estimated 100 billion U.S. dollars in damage in the country.
On Sept. 8, another quake hit Morocco, killing about 2,900 people and injuring more than 5,000.
In addition to natural disasters, armed conflicts shattered peaceful hopes. On April 15, fierce clashes broke out in Sudan's capital Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, which continues up to the present.
On Oct. 7, a large-scale armed conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, causing the deaths of more than 20,000 Palestinians and about 1,200 Israelis. The Palestinian-Israeli issue has once again become the focus of attention of the international community, which has disrupted the reconciliation process between Israel and Arab countries.
Serkan Demirtas, a Turkish foreign policy analyst, said the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict has dramatically increased geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, with a far-reaching impact on international relations.
ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN
Many economies in the region entered a downturn over 2023. Türkiye, Lebanon, Syria and Iran suffered from sharp depreciation, high inflation or soaring unemployment. The Lebanese pound, Egyptian pound and Turkish lira repeatedly hit new lows against the dollar.
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What's worse, the ongoing Gaza conflict heavily impacted the economies of both sides and neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. The World Bank reported in October that the gross domestic product of the Middle East and North Africa was expected to decline sharply, from 6 percent in 2022 to about 1.9 percent in 2023.
Zhao Jun, an associate professor of the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, said the economic downturn in many countries in the Middle East could hardly be reversed in the short term due to low oil prices resulting in oil production cuts, a tense global financial environment, the continued raising interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the spillover effect of the Ukraine crisis on food and raw materials prices.
The good news was that the world's largest single photovoltaic power station, Al Dhafra, was completed recently in Abu Dhabi. The plant will generate electricity to power 200,000 homes annually. It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.4 million metric tons, again demonstrating the determination of the oil-and-gas-rich Gulf state to diversify its energy resources and green development.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its growth, gradually evolved from blueprint to reality. According to a recent report by the International Monetary Fund, Saudi Arabia is in a period of strong economic growth with a sound fiscal position.
China sees brighter future with Bangladesh: Chinese envoy to Dhaka
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China stands ready to further integrate development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields and bring the Bangladesh-China strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level.
He said that China is also keen to deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries.
"After Bangladesh’s national parliament election to be held on January 7th next year, China-Bangladesh relations and practical cooperation in various fields will develop in a wider range," he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka.
Beyond the bilateral level, Ambassador Yao said the Bangladesh-China cooperation would further extend to regional and international arenas and play a greater role in maintaining peace, stability and development for the sake of the entire mankind.
"Thus it calls for people from all walks of life of the two countries, including all of you present here, to cherish, care for and shape the China-Bangladesh relations," he said, adding that think tanks and scholars of the two countries can play a unique and irreplaceable role.
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The Centre for Alternatives (CA), in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Bangladesh, hosted the seminar on “National Image of China in Bangladesh.”
The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives (CA).
Two speakers Dr. Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Professor, Director, SIPG Programme, Chair, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dhaka, and Dr. Shahab Enam Khan, Professor, Jahangirnagar University, delivered the speech.
Dr. Amena Mohsin, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, delivered the vote of thanks.
Dr. Imtiaz pointed out China’s national image among Bangladeshis, especially their socioeconomic, political, developmental, and geographical differences.
Bangladesh remains extra vigilant about Myanmar violence: MoFA spokesperson
The primary focus was on what young people were thinking about the Bangladesh-China relationship.
Dr Tawfique Haque addressed two areas the Chinese government needs to consider
regarding Bangladesh; firstly, China should clarify that its way of resolving the Rohingya crisis differs from that of other Western nations. Secondly, China should create a counter-narrative against the debt trap narrative, as Bangladeshis are still suspicious of this narrative.
Dr. Shahab Enam Khan pointed out that ‘acts of balancing’ best describe relations between Bangladesh and China. Regarding supply chain management, failing traditional international institutions and national economic priorities, Bangladesh must ensure a balanced relationship with
China and other development partners.
"We welcome and support the top minds of China and Bangladesh to further strengthen in-depth research on our bilateral relations, in particular from the perspectives of country studies, regional cooperation and geopolitics, and make valuable suggestions," said Ambassador Yao.
It is also expected that the academia of the two countries could pay closer attention to China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation, think about the way to cope with a series of new challenges that the two countries are facing, and propose creative suggestions for the betterment of China-Bangladesh relations under new circumstances, he said.
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Yao said that the report and relative data show a positive perception of China among Bangladesh's young people, as well as identifying several areas where China can concentrate more to improve its image in the future.
Former Ambassador Tariq Karim, former Foreign Affairs Adviser to a caretaker government Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Professor Dr. Barkat-E-Khuda also attended the seminar.
JN.1 Covid variant: WHO charts its rapid global spread
A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread".
JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States, reports BBC.
The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says.
But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter.
Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere.
China emerged from 'zero-COVID' in 2023 to confront new challenges in a changed world
The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing.
Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 - although none of them are deemed to be concerning.
But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world.
It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections.
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The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analysed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants.
Winter surge
JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended.
"It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says.
There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says.
Bangladesh registers 5 new Covid-19 cases in 24hrs
There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones.
But more studies are needed to work out the health impact, the WHO says, as the number of countries reporting data on people admitted to hospital with Covid has dramatically reduced.
To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises:
• wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas• cover up coughs and sneezes• clean your hands regularly• stay up to date with Covid and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable• stay home if ill• get tested if you have symptoms
Art, photo exhibition in Dhaka to boost Bangladesh-China relations
A weeklong art and photography exhibition kicked off on Monday, marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to boost bilateral ties between Bangladesh and China.Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the inaugural session of the exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy as the chief guest.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh and the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA) are jointly organizing the exhibition while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Confucius Institute of Dhaka University, Bangladesh-China Friendship Center, Confucius Institute of North South University, Confucius Classroom of SMUCT and Bangla Department of China Media Group (CMG) are the co-organizers of the program.
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Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art attended the program as the special guest while former Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad presided over the function that was also spoken by Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General at Shilpakala Academy, Dr Yang Hui, Director at the Confucius Institute of Dhaka University and Professor Dr Shahabul Haque, general secretary of ABCA.
The Chinese envoy said that the people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China would be strengthened through the BRI project.
"The seeds of friendship we planted together over the years have blossomed into what we see today and will yield even more fruitful results. The BRI project is helping Bangladesh to develop its road communication sector hugely, promoting overall development and industrialization," Yao said.
Chinese envoy’s remark on polls doesn’t reflect people’s aspirations: BNP
BNP on Saturday (November 11, 2023) said the Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen’s recent comment on Bangladesh's next elections does not reflect the hopes and aspirations of people.
In a statement, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called upon China to shed light on the expectations of the people of Bangladesh and the issues relating to people’s interests.
“In fact, Ambassador Wen's comment that China wants to see the upcoming elections in Bangladesh as per the constitution does not reflect the will or aspirations of people,” he said.
The BNP leader said a large section of the people in Bangladesh have not had a chance to vote in the past ten years.
Read more: Our main goal is to hold fair and neutral vote: PM Hasina
“So, the country’s vast population wants a free, fair, inclusive and credible election not under the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime, but under a polls-time neutral government,” he said.
Rizvi said the Chinese ambassador's remarks come at a time when the entire nation in unison is demanding the installation of a polls-time impartial government by carrying out a peaceful movement in an effort to restore their voting rights and democratic values.
Earlier on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen addressing a programme said his country wants Bangladesh's elections to be held as per the constitution, and the relevant parties resolve their differences and maintain political and social stability.
Rizvi said Wen’s remark on the upcoming national election as per the constitution has attracted the attention of the BNP and the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh.
Read more: Chinese Ambassador hopes for stability after next election, continued cooperation with Bangladesh
“We welcome his concern about Bangladesh. At the same time, we would like to remind (him) that BNP, the party that introduced multi-party democracy and parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, is always committed to the constitution, which is approved and accepted by people,” he said.
The BNP leader also said it is regrettable that the ‘illegitimate’ Awami League government changed the constitution through controversial amendments in an attempt to retain power.
He also said the well-accepted and widely praised caretaker government system, established on the basis of national consensus, was abolished by the ‘fascist’ Sheikh Hasina government with a nefarious political motive.
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Rizvi said two consecutive ‘farcical’ national elections in 2014 and 2018 clearly proved that no elections are possible under Sheikh Hasina. “Because, theElection Commission, and an identified section from administration, judiciary and law enforcement forces play the role of accomplices in state-sponsored criminalisation in the name of election.”
Stating that Bangladesh and China have long established friendly relations based on trade, commerce, knowledge and other bilateral interests, he said BNP believes that diplomatic success lies in establishing relations between the people of the two countries.
Rizvi urged China to give importance to the desires and interests of the people of Bangladesh.
He said their party also expects the full support of the international community in the ongoing struggle of the people of Bangladesh for a free, fair and participatory election.“BNP also wants to restore the basic foundations of democracy, so that the rule of law, human rights, labour rights and freedom of expression are re-established in Bangladesh."
Read more: People to foil AL's move to hold another lopsided election: Rizvi
Chinese Ambassador hopes for stability after next election, continued cooperation with Bangladesh
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (November 09, 2023) reiterated his country's non-interference approach towards other countries' internal affairs, noting that the future of Bangladesh will be determined by the people of Bangladesh.
He laid emphasis on maintaining political and social stability through joint efforts.
“Our policy is very clear. We don’t intervene. It is our hope that there will be stability after the next election and that our cooperation will continue,” the Chinese ambassador said. He hoped that the election will be held based on “constitution and laws.”
He was addressing an event titled “BRI@10: Ushering in Next Golden Decade” at a Dhaka hotel, organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
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CEAB President Ke Changliang spoke as the special guest at the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion.
“We want stability. We hope, Chinese people and property will be protected. So far, we feel safe. Thanks for the efforts that have been taken,” said the ambassador.
“This is the pre-election year in Bangladesh. Many friends from the media have come to ask me what is China’s observations on the current political situation in Bangladesh. I want to underscore that the upcoming election is an internal affair of Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Yao.
As a matter of foreign policy, he said, China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, and opposes any force interfering in internal affairs of other countries.
“The future of Bangladesh shall be determined by people of Bangladesh. China is full of confidence about the better future of Bangladesh as well as China-Bangladesh relations,” he said.
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“As a friend of Bangladesh and a country with large investments, enterprises and personnel in Bangladesh,” he said, “China sincerely hopes that all stakeholders in Bangladesh would take the fundamental interests of the people into full consideration, properly resolve their differences, and jointly maintain political and social stability.”
In two years’ time, China and Bangladesh will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The envoy said China is willing to take this opportunity to work with Bangladeshi friends from all walks of life to stay committed to the themes of peace, stability and development, push bilateral relations to a new level, and usher in a new era of friendly cooperation.
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If you want to beat China, come with basket of money and affordable proposals: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (October 28, 2023) said other countries should also come up with baskets of money and affordable proposals, instead of intimidation and giving advice, if they want to beat China.
"If you want to beat China, you should come with basket of money and affordable proposals like the Chinese. Only advice does not satisfy us," he said while talking to reporters.
The foreign minister mentioned that he said this during both the recent US and Europe visits.
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Earlier, he spoke at a seminar on “Navigating Challenges: Bangladesh’s Response to the Current Global Situation” at the Foreign Service Academy as the chief guest.
Diplomats World, a diplomatic magazine, hosted the seminar.
Describing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Europe visit as “very successful,” Momen said the European countries listened to Bangladesh and they are now coming up with funds.
He said the European leaders highly appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership and development.
"This is a great achievement for Bangladesh," he said.
Momen said many countries want to sell their products while trying to put pressure in the name of human rights and democracy.
He said Bangladesh does not want to purchase military equipment now as the priority is to ensure people's welfare.
US does not take a side on internal political matters: Spokesperson
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.
Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen together with Prime Minister Hasina on Wednesday launched the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to expand and develop the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh at the Global Gateway Forum.
USAID official highlights US support for Bangladesh’s economic development
On this occasion, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh signed agreements worth €400 million for renewable energy projects to contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh's power sector. It is also aimed at meeting the country's climate mitigation targets.
Five additional cooperation actions, worth €70 million, supporting education, decent work, green construction, e-governance and the prevention of gender-based violence were also launched.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The EU and Bangladesh have been reliable and trusted partners for 50 years. Now, we are taking this partnership even further, to reap the opportunities of the green transition under Global Gateway. The European Commission, the EIB and Bangladesh will join forces to support renewable energy and tackle climate change. This €400 million investment will make a difference for the people of Bangladesh and its economy.”
Bangladesh's dependence on India, China could increase if western pressure continues: Int'l Crisis Group
Bangladesh's dependence on India and China will increase if the United States and potentially other Western countries go for further pressure and sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials, the International Crisis Group has said.
"It could also cause the government to increase its dependence on India and China, as the US (and potentially other Western countries) will probably respond with sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials," according to the October 2023-March 2024 edition of "On the Horizon" report of the Crisis Group.
The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies aiming for a more peaceful world.
BNP has declared October 28 for a movement to topple the government and the ruling party Awami League says BNP's downfall will start on that day.
Read: Free, fair, peaceful elections incredibly important: Afreen Akhter
So far, a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the country.
A disputed election could trigger fierce anti-government protests, according to the International Crisis Group.
Election-related activities, such as campaigning and voting, could become flashpoints for violent attacks; spillover could also increase from restive states in India’s northeast, it said.
Read: Bangladeshis will decide how election will be held in the country: India
What to watch for in the coming weeks and months as mentioned by the Crisis Group
1. A high-stakes and potentially violent election in January 2024.
2. The ruling Awami League is expected to ignore calls for it to step down and hand power to a caretaker government that would oversee the election.
3. Rival supporters could clash in street battles or attack party offices or candidates.
4. Islamist groups could become more active in opposing the government.
5. Facing the prospect of a disputed poll, the opposition will probably boycott the election and could become radicalised, adopting more violent tactics.
6. Lack of hope, insecurity and poverty threaten to create a vicious cycle in which desperate Rohingyas – particularly young men – could join criminal gangs and armed groups, further fuelling the violence.
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