Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (July 04, 2024) said that it is solely Bangladesh’s sovereign right to decide on the Teesta project, and that this decision must be respected. “Whatever project regarding the Teesta river is truly on Bangladesh’s side to make a decision. And the decision has to be respected,” he told diplomatic correspondents at a DCAB Talk, responding to a question on the Teesta river that Bangladesh shares with India. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at Jatiya Press Club ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China next week. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event. The Chinese ambassador stated that the visit will outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs. Ambassador Yao mentioned that China had made its proposal on Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accepting any decision. “We are open. It’s purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage.” PM Hasina’s upcoming visit to boost China-Bangladesh cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, says Ambassador India also expressed interest and announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the Teesta river conservation and management issues. On June 25, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would accept the financing proposal for the Teesta Masterplan Project based on what is most beneficial for the country. “We have undertaken the Teesta project. China and India have given separate proposals (for financing it). We must accept the proposal which will be more beneficial for the people of our country,” she said at a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, regarding the outcome of her recent visit to India. Addressing a separate question, Ambassador Yao emphasized the importance of good relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries. “You know, it is a success of your national foreign policy. So, we want to see good relations. And also, we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be viewed positively by the other countries. So that is a win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties,” he said. He dismissed any notion of tension between India and China regarding this project, stating, “I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people need this project, we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon.” Regarding the development of southern Bangladesh, the ambassador mentioned that it is a proposal from the Bangladesh side and that China could play a significant role in aiding this development. “It is a good opportunity for China to get involved in the internal development of Bangladesh and we will have a very active and positive approach to that proposal,” he said. Ambassador Yao also praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in sheltering over 1 million Rohingya refugees. “China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date,” he said. The envoy added that China is ready to support Bangladesh in the multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, media, infrastructure, trade promotion, investment, agricultural imports from Bangladesh, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit. Ambassador Yao noted that the Bangladesh-China relationship is at its best and is embracing tremendous development opportunities. “Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How to further elevate bilateral relations, expand the scope of exchanges, tap the potential for cooperation, and make the relationship between our two countries and peoples better, deeper, and closer is a task that requires joint efforts from both sides,” he said. He emphasized that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China will be a milestone in bilateral relations, building on past achievements and forging ahead. “This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, promoting new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevating the relationship to a new height,” he said. The envoy highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China is highly anticipated by all. “This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer.” During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will meet with Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents, and jointly announce major cooperation achievements. Through this visit, both sides will firmly support each other and further deepen communication at all levels, he mentioned. Read more: Experts highlight Bangladesh’s need for China in its dev journey, strategic gains anticipated from PM Hasina’s upcoming visit

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Thursday said his country is serious about implementing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project, noting that it should be taken positively for the benefit of Bangladeshis. He said China considers the project to be significant after Bangladesh formally proposed it, but also has a sense of reluctance due to the sensitivities it contains. “…I would have to be frank that the Chinese side is a bit reluctant about this project. The reason of course is that there are some sensitivities — that we sensed and we observed,” the Chinese ambassador said at a seminar on “National Image of China in Bangladesh,” organized by the Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS) at a Dhaka hotel.  The ambassador said they were officially approached by the Bangladesh government one year ago. After an assessment done by the embassy, he said, they decided that this is a very important project and they should report back to Beijing.    “Now Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project is under serious assessment by the government agencies in Beijing,” said the envoy. Read: ‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’ Ambassador Jiming said he is personally concerned whether the Bangladesh government will change its position later on — due to or without external pressure. “I am not sure. If we decided to do so, and if someone came out and said — well this is again another case of Chinese debt trap — there are some particular geo-political sensitivities and so we should not do it,” he mentioned, adding that then the Bangladesh government may say, “Sorry China, we cannot just go on. That will put us in a very awkward position.” He said though his recent trip was part of visiting Chinese projects in different parts of the country, he got very positive feedback from the local people and the local government. “It gives me great confidence to speak more to my colleagues in Beijing, and build their confidence,” said the ambassador. On October 9, Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming visited Rangpur division and talked to locals at the Teesta Barrage. On October 10, the ambassador visited the bridge project under construction by CSCEC over Teesta River in Gaibandha district of Rangpur division. In July 2020, the Ministry of Water Resources sought a $983 million loan from China to implement the project, in a letter to Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division. The Bangladesh government would be bearing 15% of the total project cost (about $130 million). The project involves dredging the Teesta river for navigability, building strong embankment, townships, industries on the two sides of the river, water reservoir and irrigation. Responding to a question on possible engagement of China in a Teesta-related project, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen recently said they have not received any such proposal officially yet. On the issues of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Jiming said there have been narratives and news “cooked up by western countries”. He said China is not suppressing any certain minority, namely the Uyghur, which is one of 56 ethnic groups in China. “Chinese authorities imprisoned the separatists and terrorists as per the national law,” Jiming said. CGS Director Prof Imtiaz Ahmed presented a keynote. Former ambassadors Nasim Firdaus, Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Dhaka University Professors MM Akash and Dr Delwar Hossain also spoke.