Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh
It is high time to work together on more projects, investment areas: Chinese Envoy
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said it is high time to work together to have more projects and investment from China overcoming the common challenges ahead.
"We find that there is a great potential to work together on high level visits and economic development," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador said China can do a lot and the two countries can work together for a better future.
“That is something China can do together to overcome common challenges faced by the two countries,” Ambassador Wen said, referring to the challenges of Covid-19 and also problems that emerged amid the situation in Ukraine.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision for 2041, the Chinese envoy said Bangladesh is now stepping into Smart Bangladesh from Digital Bangladesh and assured of his country’s support to that end.
Also Read: Gate of Dhaka-Beijing cooperation opens wider: Ambassador Wen
“I am confident that during my tenure I can work together with Bangladesh. China can do a lot. We can support each other. We can work together for the better future of our bilateral relationship,” he said.
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Ambassador Wen said they have a common objective with Bangladesh regarding repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
He recognised Bangladesh's "sacrifice" in hosting the huge number of Rohingyas and assured of playing its role for their repatriation.
“We discussed the issue. You pay a lot. You suffered a lot. You sacrificed a lot. We have the common objective (repatriation),”said Ambassador Wen.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and not a single Rohingya has been repatriated over the last six years.
Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador had separate meetings with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and discussed the Rohingya issues apart from other bilateral issues.
“We discussed ways to expand bilateral ties,” said the Ambassador.
India not a strategic rival or competitor for China: Ambassador Jiming
He sees promising outlook, brighter future for Dhaka-Beijing relations
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said his country does not have any “strategic rivalry or hostility” to Bangladesh’s friendly neighbor India at all.
The envoy said the two countries - India and China can "closely work together" to “resolve any economic, geopolitical and other issues” in this region and beyond.
“We never view India as a strategic rival or strategic competitor of China,” he said while speaking at “DCAB Talk” held at Jatiya Press Club.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organised its flagship programme. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the programme.
Energy Cooperation
Media reported that India and China have been increasingly buying discounted Russian oil as global energy prices remain high.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Jiming said China is an importer of LNG and other products and generally speaking China is not in a good position to export those kinds of products to Bangladesh.
“If there is an emergency situation, I think, as always, China will not sit idle and keep watching,” he said, adding that both sides are in discussion on the possibility of any emergency supply.
Rohingya Crisis
On the Rohingya crisis, Ambassador Jiming said China keeps putting its efforts in pursuing early repatriation, and, at the same time, helps to improve settlement facilities to relieve local sufferings.
“We also appreciate Bangladesh for coping well with the turbulence along the Myanmar border,” he said.
“You need sincere support from the Myanmar side,” he said, adding that they have an Asian way of solving it.
Asked then why the Rohingya issue is not being resolved, he said that China is seriously and sincerely working towards that end. "We are working silently.”
The envoy also talked about debt management, global development initiative, trade and investment issues.
“There is no Chinese debt trap in Bangladesh. There is no Chinese debt trap globally,” he said.
The envoy also said China “never acts against Muslims in the country” and they have no particular reason to hate or discriminate against any group.
“This is totally fake news (what you see in Uyghur). I can tell you with certainty,” he said.
Read: ‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’
The Chinese envoy said he is personally a “big fan” of India, and he used to travel to many Indian places and made many friends.
He also laid emphasis on resolving all the problems in the region in an “Asian way” and said that is the basic intention of China.
Describing the situation in Europe as “miserable”, Ambassador Jiming said, “Do you want to see what happened in Europe to happen here in our region? I don’t think you want to see that. So, let’s solve all the problems in an Asian way.”
The envoy said his country will continue to work closely with Bangladesh to ensure development, peace and stability in the region.
“China-Bangladesh relations have grown healthily and steadily, and (I) foresee a promising outlook. We are ready to work with Bangladesh for a brighter future,” he said.
The envoy said China wants a "peaceful and stable" Bangladesh as “peace and stability” are preconditions for development.
Any problem, therefore, should be resolved in a democratic and peaceful way, he said, adding that China considers Bangladesh as a "very good strategic partner" and continues to improve the relations with it.
The envoy said that China shares the same views like Bangladesh on the Ukraine issue and highlighted the importance of having dialogue and discussion to resolve problems peacefully.
“We both stand with peace and call for appropriate settlement of the concerns of all through diplomatic channels,” he said.
Read: “If China can excavate Teesta, people’s lives will improve a great deal"
‘Some misunderstandings can hurt Bangladesh-China relations’
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming today said that Bangladesh-China relations have seen rapid and sound development.
However, he also noted: “I should admit that there are still some misunderstandings on China-related issue, originating from cultural difference, cognitive bias or fake news.”
Read: Ambassador Li visits Chinese projects in Rangpur
The envoy said these will inevitably undermine the friendly base of China-Bangladesh relations and further hinder the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
He was speaking at a programme titled “National Image on China in Bangladesh” held in a city hotel.
The ambassador said there is no so-called “Chinese debt trap” and the government of Bangladesh knows this well.
Chinese great national rejuvenation and Sonar Bangla dreams are connected: Ambassador
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, over the Kacha river in Pirojpur’s Bekutia, will give a strong boost to the development of southern Bangladesh.
“The bridge stands as a perfect illustration of how the integration of Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 perspective plan and the Belt and Road Initiative would benefit the people of Bangladesh and the region beyond,” he said.
Ambassador Li said the bridge directly connects Khulna and Barishal, the two sides of the Kacha River, and provides faster transportation opportunity between Mongla and Payra.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the 1,493-metre bridge today (September 4, 2022).
To continue the tradition of friendship, China is determined to build the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, Ambassador Li said.
Read: PM opens Bangamata Bridge over Kacha River in Pirojpur
Experts from the two countries are already preparing for feasibility study on the project.
Under the phenomenal leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, Bangladesh has impressed the world with its fast and steady growth in the past decade, and is graduating from the least developed countries category.
“Despite recent headwinds, Bangladesh’s economy shows significant resilience and is recovering vigorously. The world is witnessing Bangladesh rising from the subcontinent,” said the Chinese envoy.
He said the Chinese dream of the great national rejuvenation and the “Sonar Bangla” dream are well connected. “Let us join hands to realize our dreams together!”
BRT girder accident: Chinese envoy vows to take punitive action after probe report
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has assured that there will be no objection to taking punitive action as recommended by the probe committee against those responsible for the Uttara Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project's fatal girder accident.
The ambassador made the remark during a courtesy meeting with Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri at the Secretariat on Thursday morning.
Li Jiming expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the Dhaka BRT project girder accident in Uttara on Monday and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured, as per a press release from the division.
He also said a high-level delegation of the Chinese contractor of the Roads and Highways Department's Dhaka BRT project had arrived in Bangladesh from China to investigate on behalf of the company.
The delegation is ready to provide necessary assistance to the probe committee formed by the Road Transport and Highways Division, he added.
The committee has been asked to submit its final report within the next seven days, said the secretary.
Read:Uttara girder crash tragedy: Helper operating crane instead of operator Al Amin
Strict action will be taken as per the recommendations of the report, he added.
On Monday, a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) project girder came crashing down on the car near Uttara's Jasimuddin road when it was being moved onto a trailer, suggesting the use of cranes of insufficient strength in the project.
Rubel, 50, Fahima, 40, her sister Jhorna, 28, and Jhorna's two children Jannat, 6, and Jakaria, 2, got crushed inside the mangled car.
Fortunately, a newlywed couple – Rubel's son Hridoy, 26, and his wife Ria Moni, 21, – also travelling with them escaped death.
On the same day, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges formed a six-member probe committee to investigate the tragedy.
Nilima Akhter, additional secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, is heading the committee. The panel has been asked to submit a full report within the next two days.
The probe body found that contractor firm China Gezhouba Group Company Limited is responsible for the Uttara tragedy, the Road Transport and Highways Division secretary said on Tuesday.
MoU signing on coproduction of Sinopharm jab Aug 16
Bangladesh will sign a memorandum of understanding on coproduction of Sinopharm vaccine with relevant parties on August 16.
The signing ceremony will be held at 3pm at BCPS auditorium Mohakhali in the city, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming will attend and witness the signing of the MoU.
Read: A million more Sinopharm doses land in Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen earlier said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on coproduction of Sinopharm vaccine in Bangladesh is ready for signing and it should be done without any delay.
“We’ve received it (MoU) and it’s with the Health Ministry. It should be done at any moment. I think the Health Ministry should dispose of it very quickly,” he told reporters.
Read: US okays Covid booster dose for those with weak immune systems
Dr Momen said the government of Bangladesh, Sinopharm and a local company (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd) will sign the agreement.
He said Incepta will bring in bulk and bottling, labeling and finishing of the vaccine will be done locally making the price relatively very cheap.
It's very regrettable, says FM on China's Quad remarks
Terming Chinese envoy's recent remarks very regrettable, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh maintained a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy and it will decide what to do following that principles.
"We’re an independent and sovereign State. We decide our (own) foreign policy. But yes, any country can uphold its position," he told reporters adding that they recall with respect what others say but did not expect such behaviour from China.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks when his comments sought on Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming's remarks on "Quad" and Bangladesh.
"Naturally, he (Ambassador) represents a country. They can say what they want. Maybe they don't want it (Bangladesh's joining Quad)," Dr Momen said, adding that no one from the Quad has approached Bangladesh yet.
“The comment has been an advanced one,” said the Foreign Minister.
He said usually China does not interfere in others' internal affairs and they did not see anyone saying anything in such an aggressive way. "It's very regrettable."
Also read: Beijing wants Dhaka not to join Quad
Dr Momen said they (China) can say their position and Bangladesh always welcomes what others say. "We'll listen to what they say. But we'll decide what is good for us."
He said once the United States had asked Bangladesh for selling gas but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina replied to power like the US that Bangladesh would decide after keeping reserve for 50 years. "Who’re you?"
Dr Momen said they are lucky that they have a leader like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said many people at many times had said many things in the past but Bangladesh has done what is good for the country and for the wellbeing of its people guided by its principled position.
Dr Momen said they will decide following the foreign policy principles considering the interest of people and the country. "We've maintained a non-aligned and a balanced foreign policy. We’ll continue to do it (maintaining non-aligned and balanced foreign policy)."
"What he (Ambassador) said (is) fine. We’ve no special comment on that," Dr Momen added.
Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming on Monday said Bangladesh’s relations with China will "substantially get damaged" if Bangladesh joins "Quad", a US-led initiative.
Also read: 5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
The envoy said obviously it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to participate in this small club of four countries because it will substantially damage the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“So, we don’t like to see any form of participation by Bangladesh to this small group of countries,” said Ambassador Li.
He termed “Quad” a military alliance aiming against China's resurgence and its relationship with neighbouring countries.
The US, India, Japan and Australia are part of an informal strategic alliance - the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad as it is known.
Known as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” representatives for the four member nations met periodically since its establishment in 2007.
While talking to UNB at his residence recently, Dr Momen said then the world was divided into blocks -- one was eastern bloc and another western bloc.
Since the eastern bloc helped Bangladesh most, many had thought Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would join the eastern bloc but Bangabandhu did not do it and maintained a non-aligned position, he said.
Also read: Ready to offer more support if Covid situation deteriorates in Bangladesh: China
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh still believes in the foreign policy given by Bangabandhu - friendship to all malice to none.
Following Bangabandhu's footprint, Dr Momen said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adopted a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy.
He said Bangladesh is in a very good position as it has friends like India and China - two big countries. "We maintain good relations with both the countries."
Dr Momen said Bangladesh has had a "rock-solid" relationship with India since 1971 and China is a big economic and development partner.
"Others see us with much respect as we maintain good relations with India and China," said the Foreign Minister, adding that Bangladesh could do things that other countries could not.
5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Monday officially announced that 5 lakh doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will reach Bangladesh on May 12 as a “special gift”.
"It's the latest outcome of China-Bangladesh anti-pandemic cooperation which again shows that our two peoples are in the same boat and we will stand with each other till the end of this battle," he said.
The Ambassador made the announcement during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) held virtually. DCAB President Pantho Rahaman and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
Read Russian Vaccine Sputnik V: Things we should know to fight COVID-19
"China is dedicated to international vaccine cooperation," said the Chinese envoy, adding that the Sinopharm vaccine has already been recognised and used in over 50 countries and regions globally for quite some time.
“This is a new vote of confidence in China’s vaccines cast by the world. The Bangladeshi government also gave emergency use authorisation to the vaccine a week prior to the WHO’s clearance, which I believe is a far-sighted decision. It shows the faith put in China by Bangladesh, and it will surely mean a lot to our future cooperation,” he said.
According to clinical statistics provided by Sinopharm and the evaluation of the WHO, the efficacy rate of the vaccine is estimated to reach 79%, all age groups included.
Also read: Decision on China vaccine after consulting advisory body: Health Minister
Ambassador Li said the vaccine is recommended for adults aged 18 and older, and WHO did not indicate any upper age limit for use as data suggests that the vaccine is likely to have a protective effect in elder persons.
“It is also the first vaccine carrying a vial monitor, a small sticker on the vaccine vials that changes colour with the exposure to heat, thus warning health professionals if any doses go bad,” he said.
As the Covid-19 is still wreaking a havoc on people’s lives and disturbing social and economic activities in Bangladesh, the 500 thousand doses of vaccine are arriving just in time. It is the latest outcome of China-Bangladesh anti-pandemic cooperation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for this vaccine to be rolled out globally.
The Sinopharm vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, subsidiary of China National Biotec Group (CNBG).
Bangladesh has kept up its intensified efforts to get Oxford-AstraZeneca and China's Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines from India, China and the United States.
The Chinese Ambassador said China proposed providing the vaccine doses as a gift on February 3 and the government of Bangladesh took three months to approve it.
He said there is a high demand of Chinese vaccines and it will take time to get vaccines through commercial purchase.
The Ambassador said Bangladesh proposed getting Chinese vaccines through commercial purchase on April 30 and Bangladesh could have got those much earlier if the decision had been taken timely.
He laid emphasis on quick and effective decisions by the government of Bangladesh on issues like vaccines.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said there is nothing to be worried about the availability of vaccines noting that the government will have enough vaccines soon from alternative sources.
“I believe we'll have enough vaccines. No person should be worried about it. Vaccines will come timely and all will get it,” he said in a video message shared on his verified Facebook page.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is much ahead of many countries in the world in procuring vaccines and launching vaccination drives across the country.
Also read: UN chief urges all to act collectively to recover from COVID-19 ...
China committed to remain engaged in future development
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said China will coordinate sustainable and green development and respond to the core concerns of Bangladesh and the international community on climate change.
He made the remarks at a webinar titled-“Impressions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on newly born People’s Republic of China” organised by Bangladesh-China Silk Road Forum.
“Bangladesh has just completed a 10-day long grand celebration on the occasion of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Independence. I would like to take this opportunity to pay my highest tribute to Bangabandhu. As a friendly neighbour, we are very proud and glad to see the prosperity and progress of Bangladesh,” he added.
Li Jiming also said over the past 46 years, China and Bangladesh have carried forward the traditional friendship, continuously deepened political mutual trust, and promoted economic and trade cooperation.
During President Xi's state visit to Bangladesh in October 2016, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and decided to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership of cooperation.
“China has been Bangladesh's largest trading partner for years. In July last year, China began to offer zero-tariff treatment to 97% of Bangladesh's exports, and Bangladesh has ushered in a new golden age in exporting to China, Chinese market, the largest single retail market in the world and attracting Chinese and foreign investors,” he added.
Also read: Will strengthen development strategies with Bangladesh: Chinese President
During the pandemic, China and Bangladesh supported each other and worked together to overcome difficulties. At the difficult time for China to fight the pandemic, the government and people of Bangladesh donated a large number of medical materials to China, he also said.
The two countries have also overcome the impact of the pandemic to advance cooperation projects such as the Padma Bridge and a multi-lane road tunnel under the Karnaphuli River. The Payra Power Plant has been completed and is going to go into commercial operation.
“In 2021, China and Bangladesh have both entered a new stage of development. China has completed building a moderately prosperous society in all respects successfully and is going to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and embark on the 14th Five-Year Plan to achieve the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, while Bangladesh celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence and embark on the 8th Five-Year Plan to achieve the Vision 2041,” he also said.
“At present, the COVID-19 epidemic has brought the world into a period of turbulence and change. Only by maintaining strategic focus in the face of challenges, sticking to the theme of development and working together can we promote China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation entering a new stage. China and Bangladesh should adhere to the common commitment of upholding multilateralism made by the heads of states, and contribute to world peace and stability in the post-pandemic era,” Li Jiming said.
He added that Bangladesh’s GDP has maintained a growth rate of over 6% for many years in a row. This has raised the welfare of Bangladeshi people. Recently, Bangladesh has obtained the qualification to graduate from the Least Developed Countries as assessed by the United Nations.
Also read: Bangladesh, China discuss Covid vaccine assistance: Envoy
In his video message, China’s president Xi Jinping stressed that he attaches great importance to China-Bangladesh relations.
“In the future, we would like to work with people from all walks of life in Bangladesh to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two nations, promote the synergy between the two countries to achieve high-quality coordinated development, and promote the early realization of the Chinese Dream and the dream of "Sonar Bangla. I am confident that with the concerted efforts of China and Bangladesh, China-Bangladesh cooperation will yield even more golden fruits,” he also added.
Li Jiming said to continue the expansion of cooperation, China has decided to donate 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh, ensuring the fulfillment of China's commitment to making vaccines more accessible and affordable in developing countries.
Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister; Rashed Khan Menon, President of Workers Party of Bangladesh, Hasanul Haque Inu, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Mozaffar Hossain Paltu, Advisory Council Member of Bangladesh Awami League, and Dilip Barua, Chairperson of Bangladesh-China Silk Road Forum also joined in the virtual discussion.
Chinese New Year: DCAB and CMG usher in Year of the Ox
China Media Group (CMG), Bangladesh Bureau on Saturday celebrated the Chinese New Year with diplomatic correspondents based in Dhaka.