Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (August 25, 2024) urged China to relocate some of its solar panel factories to Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country's green transition and exports. Chinese manufacturers "can relocate" solar panel factories to Bangladesh, which will help Bangladesh diversify exports and help transition into a green economy, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said. Professor Yunus made the call when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen called on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Chief Adviser stressed close economic collaboration between Beijing and Dhaka and asked the Chinese investors to relocate their plants in Bangladesh. Ambassador Wen said China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperation in various sectors. “No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he said. Ambassador Yao welcomed the formation of the interim government, and congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the position of Chief Adviser during a courtesy call on him at Jamuna on Sunday. He stressed China’s support for the interim government to build a poverty-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. He said China has emerged as one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels, but the country increasingly faced restrictions in the export market. Prof Yunus also called for increased imports of Bangladeshi goods to China in an effort to increase economic cooperation between the two nations. He also called for technological transfer and increased collaboration in disaster management, education and farming. Ambassador Yao conveyed greetings of the Chinese leadership and its people to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his assumption of the leadership of the Bangladesh Interim Government. Read more: China’s commitment remains unchanged no matter what changes have taken place in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Wen The Ambassador said Beijing was ready to work with Dhaka and hoped that he would "fulfill expectations of a poverty-free Bangladesh". "The future of Bangladesh will be better and brighter under your leadership," he told the Chief Adviser. He said China and Bangladesh have recently upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" and added that both nations would celebrate the 50th year of diplomatic ties next year. The Ambassador said China would remain committed to finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis including a ceasefire in violence-torn Rakhine state in Myanmar. Professor Yunus hoped that China would continue to provide political, financial and humanitarian assistance to more than one million Rohingya people living in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser also recalled his fond memories in China where several universities have set up Yunus Centres and many young people have formed Three Zero Clubs whose members make a commitment for zero contribution to climate change, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. He emphasised youth to youth collaboration and people to people connection between the two countries. During the meeting the Chinese Ambassador conveyed Chinese leaderships' invitation to Professor Yunus to visit China at his convenient time. He said Bangladesh was at the crossroads but "the people of Bangladesh will overcome the challenges." The Chinese Ambassador handed over a cheque for US 20,000 dollars to the Flood Relief Fund of the Chief Adviser from the embassy. Read more: Interim government keen to work closely with China: Foreign Affairs Adviser  He said the Chinese Red Cross would also donate US 100,000 dollars as humanitarian aid to Bangladesh's flood affected people. Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. The ambassador said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, and cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. The envoy said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs. He said that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. “China is committed to working with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ in 2025,” said the ambassador. China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height, he said. Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a ceasefire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar. Read more: China welcomes the new interim government in Bangladesh: Spokesperson

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperation in various sectors. “No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he said. Ambassador Yao welcomed the formation of the interim government, and congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the position of Chief Adviser during a courtesy call on him at Jamuna on Sunday. He stressed China’s support for the interim government to build a poverty-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. Read more: Interim government keen to work closely with China: Foreign Affairs Adviser  The ambassador said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, and cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. The envoy said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs. He said that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. “China is committed to working with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ in 2025,” said the ambassador. Read more: China welcomes the new interim government in Bangladesh: Spokesperson China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height, he said. Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a ceasefire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Visiting Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Liu Jianchao, has underscored the significance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July which he thinks will help uplift the relationship, engaging in new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit. “I’m sure that during this visit, the relationship will be uplifted again. We are really grateful for her (PM Hasina) tremendous contributions to China-Bangladesh relations,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue in Dhaka today (June 25, 2024). Minister Jianchao said that today China and Bangladesh are breaking new ground for further and stronger partnership and friendship as both countries are developing fast and both governments are committed to delivering for the people and to the modernization drive. He emphasized the historical depth and future potential of Bangladesh-China relations and noted that the relationship with Bangladesh is always one of China’s priorities in its neighbourhood diplomacy, which is making steady progress under the guidance of the two leaders. Read more: China backs Bangladesh's bid to join BRICS: Minister Liu Jianchao “Strong friendship and trust have been developed between the two peoples during their fight for national liberation and independence. The seed of this friendship was planted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” he added. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka hosted the dialogue titled “Looking Towards the Future of China-Bangladesh Relations: A Conversation with the CPC Delegation” at the Renaissance Hotel. The event, moderated by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, also brought together leaders from Bangladesh Awami League and its associate bodies, BNP, Jatiya Party, Workers Party, as well as representatives from the business, academic, and media communities, who engaged in insightful discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-China ties and highlighted issues needing enhanced attention. Ambassador Yao Wen said this event is more than a celebration of friendship; it is a pivotal moment to foster deeper connections and explore avenues for mutual growth. “China and Bangladesh share a legacy of amity that has been nurtured over generations,” he said. “The flourishing state of our relations is a result of our joint endeavours and the collective aspirations of our peoples. This dialogue serves as a vital channel for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on advancing our partnership,” said the Chinese envoy. In his opening remarks, Liu Jianchao expressed his enthusiasm about the visit to Bangladesh, saying, “I was really excited about this trip even before I came. Not only because I’ve never been to Bangladesh, but also because in recent years, I’ve been hearing about the economic miracle of this great country. In the last two-three days, I’ve been moving around, meeting local people, visiting projects contracted or supported by China, such as the Padma Bridge, and Bangladeshi companies.” Read more: China keen to continue all possible co-operation for Bangladesh’s development: Minister Liu Jianchao He also met with the leaders of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. “I had a strong sense that the China-Bangladesh partnership and friendship have remained very strong. Next year, we’re going to celebrate the 50th anniversary, half a century of excellent relationship between our two countries.” Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, both countries have consistently respected, trusted, and supported each other, he observed. “Our relationship has emerged even stronger and become a paradigm of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence between neighbours. The Chinese Dream and the Sonar Bangla dovetail each other and can enable each other’s success,” the Chinese minister said. He recalled the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh in October 2016, during which the relationship was elevated to a strategic cooperative partnership. He also highlighted the meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Hasina in South Africa last August, where they reached important consensus on strengthening strategic communication, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral cooperation. Liu Jianchao detailed the tangible benefits arising from the cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative. “Fourteen major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Framework have been put to use or made fast progress, including the Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel. These projects have delivered tangible benefits to our two peoples and served as a firm basis for our future cooperation,” he stated. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Bangladesh on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Vision 2041 and the development of the southern region in Bangladesh, emphasizing deeper cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, clean energy, climate response, and industrial upgrading. Addressing the importance of maintaining relationships with political parties, the minister outlined China’s diplomatic principles. “We uphold three major principles when dealing with political parties of other countries. First, we never draw ideological lines, and that is why we have friends all over the world. Second, we develop relations with political parties of other countries, no matter whether they are in office or not. Third, we are committed to seeking common ground while resolving differences, respecting each other, and learning from each other,” Liu Jianchao explained. He noted that China has invited many political party leaders from Bangladesh to visit China, enhancing mutual understanding, trust, and friendship. Shammi Ahmed MP, International Affairs Secretary of Awami League, expressed optimism about Prime Minister Hasina’s upcoming visit to China. “China is a role model to every developing country and the second-largest economic power. Bangladesh Awami League signed an MoU with the CPC, and that is the only political party in the world that officially Awami League has signed a memorandum of understanding with,” she said. Read more: PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China will significantly advance dev cooperation: Foreign Minister

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand new cooperation in a wider range of areas. He mentioned higher levels of connectivity, renewable energy, the Blue Economy, financial stability, digital empowerment, scientific and technological innovation, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable development as areas of cooperation. "With joint efforts, we will achieve common development and promote together the building of a community with a shared future for mankind," said Ambassador Yao in an article. The Ambassador said the two nations are set to embrace a historic opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various fields by 2025, the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Read more: Election 2024: China congratulates PM Hasina, says committed to working with her Over the past 52 years since its independence, Bangladesh has always been committed to exploring the path of modernization in line with its own national conditions, and has made commendable achievements, he said. The Ambassador said China hopes that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new Bangladeshi government will lead the people to proceed faster and steadier on the path of national prosperity and rejuvenation. On January 11, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of State Council Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Chinese leaders expected that the two countries would make joint efforts to further implement the important consensus President Xi Jinping reached with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Johannesburg, South Africa last August, enhance political mutual trust, promote traditional friendship, further synergize development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, so as to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height. Read more: China sees brighter future with Bangladesh: Chinese envoy to Dhaka China and Bangladesh are both developing and populous countries at a critical stage of their respective development and revitalisation, said the Ambassador. China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world, forging a broader international consensus, proposing more effective solutions and enhancing the practicality and guidance for building a community with a shared future for humankind. "We advocate that the multipolar world should be equal, that is, to insist on the equality of all countries, oppose hegemony and power politics, oppose the monopoly of a few countries in international affairs, and effectively promote the democratisation of international relations," he said. International issues should be resolved through consultation among all countries, and the future and destiny of the world should be in the hands of all countries. Building a community with a shared future for humankind underscores the general trend of history and the direction of the people’s hearts, he said. “More and more countries have come to realize that the future of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries, and created by all of us hand in hand,” said the Ambassador. Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has reiterated his country’s non-intervention policy and said the future of Bangladesh should be determined by Bangladeshis. “Our policy is very consistent – that China never intervenes in any country’s internal affairs,” he told UNB in an exclusive interview. Ambassador Yao said the upcoming election is an internal affair of Bangladesh. China upholds Bangladesh’s efforts to fend off external interference and maintain domestic unity and stability, so as to ensure development and revitalization, said the ambassador referring to what the Chinese President Xi Jinping said during the Johannesburg meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, he elaborated referring to what President Xi said at the Johannesburg meeting. Read: Bangladesh's youth makes it 'vigorous' in Chinese eyes: Amb. Yao Wen “China is full of confidence over the better future of Bangladesh as well as China-Bangladesh relations,” said Ambassador Yao. Currently, over 600 Chinese enterprises are functioning in Bangladesh, and tens of thousands of Chinese citizens are living and working here, he said. According to Ambassador Yao, the Chinese companies proactively undertake social responsibilities on boosting local economy, protecting the environment, providing social services to host communities, helping create job opportunities, building capacity for manpower and promoting charity. “With their contribution and efforts, the hearts of the two peoples are brought together ever closer,” he said. Read: ‘China adheres to true multilateralism’: Ambassador Yao Wen When asked about the interests of Chinese companies and citizens in the context of heated political environment, Yao replied that the Chinese people are here for friendship and joint development with Bangladeshi people. “Their safety and security should surely be guaranteed, and their lawful interests should be protected,” he said. Bangladesh Election Commission is taking preparations for the next national election which is likely to be held in December this year or January next year. During his first interview since his arrival in Dhaka late last year, the Chinese ambassador touched upon issues related to trade and investment, Global Development Initiative, Belt and Road Initiative, people to people relations, and opportunities ahead. Read more: No limit to potential of Bangladesh-China ties: Ambassador Yao Wen

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, has said the Global Development Initiative (GDI), a twin sister of BRI, is aimed at supporting the timely achievement of all 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by revitalizing global development partnership and promoting stronger, greener and healthier global development. “We hope that Bangladesh would make good use of China’s aid, preferential loans, and the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to actively carry out policy dialogue, experience sharing, capacity building and practical cooperation,” the envoy told UNB during his first interview  since his arrival here late last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward GDI at the United Nations in 2021. Rohingya Genocide Case at ICJ: US shares info with The Gambia The Global Development Initiative promotes international cooperation in eight priority areas, namely poverty alleviation, food security, pandemic response and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity in the digital-era, said the ambassador. “All these are also the focus of Bangladesh in its Vision 2041 perspective plan,” he said. According to the United Nations, over 100 countries and international organizations have expressed their support to the GDI and 68 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI at the UN. In July, the first high-level meeting of the Global Action Forum for Shared Development was held in Beijing, with more than 800 guests from 158 countries and international organizations attending online and offline. Minister of Planning MA Mannan took part in the event on behalf of Bangladesh. China bans seafood from Japan after the Fukushima nuclear plant begins its wastewater release Priorities Ahead Bangladesh and China will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. “It would be a perfect occasion to review achievements in the past and map forward for the future,” the ambassador said. He promised that China would do its part to help Bangladesh graduate from the LDC status by 2026, and fuel joint development to achieve respective national dreams which are “well-connected”. “Practical cooperation is the cornerstone of China-Bangladesh relations. While implementing projects agreed during high-level visits back in 2016 and 2019, we will take the initiative with Bangladesh to figure out more under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative on connectivity infrastructure, renewable energy, blue economy, digital empowerment, so on and so forth,” said the Chinese envoy. China to support Bangladesh in joining BRICS: XI tells Hasina during talks In terms of trade, he said, local exporters are encouraged to fully leverage China’s 98 percent zero-tariff treatment for Bangladeshi products and showcase the “Made in Bangladesh” brand on expositions held in China, such as China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo and Canton Fair. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram should eye high-end and high-value industries to serve the Smart Bangladesh development strategy as well as the high-quality development paradigm of China, he said. “We’d encourage Chinese entrepreneurs to increase investment in promising fields like new energy, ICT, advanced manufacturing, and agri-product processing,” Ambassador Yao said, adding that he would also push forward the cooperation on disaster management and relief, military exchanges, law enforcement coordination and maritime cooperation during his tenure in Dhaka. “Of course, as the Chinese ambassador, I’d play my role in mediating between Bangladesh and Myanmar to facilitate early and sustainable repatriation of displaced people from the Rakhine State,” he said. Producing Green Energy Responding to a question, the envoy said China, a key contributor to the Paris Agreement, pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. “By 2035, China will broadly establish eco-friendly ways of work and life, lower carbon emissions after reaching a peak, improve the environment and largely accomplish the goal of developing a ‘Beautiful China’,” he added. UN Security Council, minus China and Russia, condemns Myanmar military's killing of civilians Bangladesh also faces critical challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. “Fortunately, the country has become well aware of the gravity of these issues, and has taken plausible actions,” the Chinese envoy said, noting that the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP) adopted in 2020 plays a key role in guiding the country’s development paradigm into the track of green transition by 2030. “As Bangladesh and China converge on environmental goals, significant potentials emerge for the two countries to synergize on green development strategies, thereby building a shared human community in harmony with nature,” said Ambassador Yao. “In fact, we’ve already kickstarted cooperation in this regard. When I visited Cox’s Bazar a few months ago, I saw photovoltaic panels of Chinese brand on top of many roofs. A wind farm project is also being built there by Chinese contractors,” he added. Next Generation of Green Traffic It was reported that Bangladesh had its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station installed in Dhaka earlier this month. “I read it in the newspaper. But there are only 35 EV registered in Bangladesh for the time being. That is a negligible amount compared to the 170 million population of Bangladesh,” he said. China is a key designer and manufacturer of EV. There are over 16 million EV and mixed-fuel vehicles running on the roads in China, and the number is still soaring. “We would encourage more Chinese EV manufacturers to come to Bangladesh, explore the local market, and meet the demands of Bangladeshi people, thereby helping Bangladesh transit towards the next generation of green traffic,” said the ambassador.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he is willing to work with Bangladesh to further connect their development strategies, deepen practical cooperation across the board, and strive for new outcomes from the Bangladesh-China Strategic Partnership of Cooperation. “China and Bangladesh are close neighbours and traditional friends. In recent years, China-Bangladesh relations enjoy a sound momentum of development, with strategic mutual trust being strengthened and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative pressing ahead,” he said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, the Chinese President, on behalf of the government and people of China and in his own name, extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Hamid and the friendly people of Bangladesh. Over the past five decades, President Xi said, the diligent and self-reliant people of Bangladesh have made remarkable progress in social and economic development, which has improved the living standard in the country, contributing an important share to the cause of global poverty elimination. “Our traditional friendship has been elevated to a new height in our joint efforts to fight COVID-19,” said the Chinese President. Also read: Will strengthen development strategies with Bangladesh: Chinese President “I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and her people happiness,” reads the message shared by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday night. In a separate message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Bangladesh-China relations are on a fast lane of development, with cooperation in all areas proceeding steadily. Facing the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, the two countries have been on the same boat and lent each other helping hands, further deepening the traditional friendship. “The Chinese side sets great store by China-Bangladesh relations, and is willing to further accelerate the pace of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples,” said the Chinese Premier. Also read: Ready to bring China-Bangladesh ties to new heights: Xi Jinping On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, he, on behalf of the government of China, extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Hasina and to the friendly people of Bangladesh. “In recent years, under your (Hasina) leadership, the people of Bangladesh have been focusing on reform and development, and have achieved encouraging progress in building the country and improving people's livelihood,” said the Chinese Premier. As a friendly neighbour and partner, he said, China rejoices at the achievements of Bangladesh. “I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and her people happiness.” State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi also sent a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen. Also read: Bangladesh, China can further fortify ties through exploring new areas of cooperation: PM “I’m ready to work with you to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of our two countries, promote pragmatic cooperation between our two counties across the board to achieve new results, strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs and bring benefits to the two countries and two peoples,” said the Chinese Foreign Minister. In recent years, he said, Bangladesh has sustained a sound momentum of social-economic development, with the living standard of her people improved significantly, and has played a contributing role for regional stability and prosperity. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence Bangladesh, the Chinese Foreign Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr Momen. “I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and its people happiness.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appreciated China as one of the most valued partners of Bangladesh for its socio-economic development and the continued Chinese aid and supports to Bangladesh during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.