United News of Bangladesh

China has said it stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align development strategies and advance the development of China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor for greater regional connectivity. President Xi Jinping emphasised that China adheres to the policy of fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood and the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as President Xi Jinping met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. China said it will continue to provide neighboring countries with new opportunities and fresh dynamism as the country grows. The two leaders jointly announced the decision to build a Bangladesh-China community with a shared future in the new era, elevating bilateral relations to a higher level. President Xi Jinping said China has all along attached great importance to the development of Bangladesh-China relations, and stayed true to the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh. No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of Bangladesh-China friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Looking back over its history, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in emerging from poverty and weakness and blazing a path of Chinese modernization. The strength lies in independence and self-reliance, and in keeping the future of national development and progress firmly in our own hands. "China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference," said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to increase exchanges of governance experience, enhance ties at all levels, deepen strategic communication, strengthen political mutual trust, and continue to support each other on issues concerning the respective core interests and major concerns of the two countries. China said it supports the new government of Bangladesh in its governance efforts, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align development strategies, exchange development experience, make sound plans for the orderly cooperation in priority areas, explore cooperation potential in green and low-carbon development, digital economy, information technology, and artificial intelligence, conduct exchanges in healthcare, culture and education and at subnational levels, China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Bangladesh within multilateral frameworks including the U.N., so as to jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and better uphold the legitimate rights and common interests of the two countries and the interests of the Global South,said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. He said that China is a great country, holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, and is a valued and trusted partner of Bangladesh, according to the Chinese side. He was pleased that bilateral relations have been raised to a new level of Bangladesh-China community with a shared future in the new era. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great development achievements, and Chinese modernisation is an example for Bangladesh to learn from, said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh hopes to strengthen bilateral exchanges between political parties, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and enhance cooperation and exchanges in economy and trade, connectivity, agriculture, technology, green energy, education and health to help Bangladesh achieve modernization, said the Chinese side.

China has proposed the development of an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to enhance regional connectivity, trade and economic cooperation. The proposal came during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday morning, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mahdi Amin said the two leaders held detailed discussions on connectivity. "President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed connectivity in detail. A proposal was made on how an economic corridor could be developed linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China," he said. The PMO spokesperson said the proposed corridor aims to expand Bangladesh's economy, increase economic transactions and strengthen multimodal transportation across the region. He said the initiative could create new opportunities for regional trade, investment and connectivity. Mahdi Amin, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said China also expressed interest in further modernising Chattogram Port. "We want to work on modernising the port and transforming it into a regional hub that will serve not only Bangladesh but also other countries," he said. At the same time, China expressed interest in upgrading Mongla Port and making it more progressive and service-oriented, the adviser said. “We discussed these issues during the meeting." People-to-People RelationsMahdi Amin said Bangladesh wants to strengthen people-to-people ties with China as part of the broader bilateral relationship. "We want to enhance people-to-people relations through cooperation in culture, media, technology, knowledge transfer and employment generation," he said. "There are areas relating to heritage, information and technology. In every sector, we want to deepen relations between the people of the two countries, and the two leaders discussed these issues," PMO spokesperson said. He said Mandarin is already being prioritised as a third language in Bangladesh's education system, while technical and vocational education is also receiving greater emphasis. "In both areas, China is willing to support Bangladesh by sharing its own experience. China will provide teachers and infrastructural support for Chinese language education," he added. Visa Processing for Medical TreatmentMahdi Amin said China also expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh in the healthcare sector. "They are interested in helping Bangladesh introduce advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, hospital establishment and other modern healthcare facilities," he said. "Many Bangladeshis travel abroad for medical treatment. China is willing to facilitate easier visa processing and extend other support to those seeking treatment there," the PMO spokesperson added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a rare one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. The private meeting took place following their official bilateral talks in the morning, said Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir. While briefing reporters, he described the meeting as "unprecedented", saying it reflected the importance China attaches to both Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Bangladesh. "This is an unprecedented event. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a one-on-one meeting with His Excellency Chinese President Xi Jinping.” According to the adviser, the two leaders first held formal bilateral talks with their respective delegations, during which they discussed a wide range of issues relating to Bangladesh-China relations. Following the official meeting, President Xi and Prime Minister Tarique held a separate private meeting, a move Humaiun Kobir described as highly significant. "This is truly unprecedented. After the formal meeting attended by members of the delegation, the two leaders met separately in a one-on-one session," he said. "The private meeting demonstrates the importance the Chinese President and the Chinese government attach to our Prime Minister and to Bangladesh," the adviser added. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met President Xi at the Great Hall of the People at 10:45am local time on the final day of his four-day official visit to China. The official bilateral meeting lasted about 50 minutes, after which the two leaders held the private one-on-one talks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen their long-standing alliance during Xi’s rare visit to Pyongyang, according to state media reports from both countries. The summit marked Xi’s first trip to North Korea in seven years and underscored Beijing’s effort to reinforce its influence over its isolated socialist neighbor amid shifting regional dynamics. Lavish welcome and high-level talks Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were greeted at Pyongyang’s international airport by Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. The Chinese leader was later welcomed with a large ceremony in the capital’s main square, featuring military honors, flags, banners and portraits of both leaders. During talks, Xi said China was ready to expand cooperation with North Korea in areas such as trade, agriculture, construction and technology, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV. Kim described relations with China as North Korea’s “most important top-priority strategic work” and praised Xi’s visit as a major sign of support, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Strategic coordination and regional implications Both leaders pledged to strengthen strategic coordination and protect their countries’ sovereignty and security interests. Kim also reaffirmed support for China’s “one-China principle” regarding Taiwan. Analysts say the visit highlights China’s desire to maintain a leading role on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, especially as North Korea has recently deepened military and economic ties with Russia. China remains North Korea’s main economic lifeline and diplomatic backer. The two countries marked 65 years of their mutual defense treaty this year. Nuclear issue left unmentioned Notably, reports from both sides did not mention North Korea’s nuclear program, a departure from Xi’s 2019 visit when Chinese media referred to denuclearization efforts. The omission is likely significant for Kim, who has sought international recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. Ahead of Xi’s visit, Pyongyang reiterated that its nuclear program is non-negotiable and vowed to expand its nuclear capabilities. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that North Korea is producing enough nuclear material annually for an estimated 10 to 20 bombs and is nearing mastery of intercontinental ballistic missile technology. Economic and diplomatic context Observers believe Xi may have offered economic support measures, including food aid and expanded tourism and transport links. Direct flights and passenger train services between the two countries resumed earlier this year after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting also comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving diplomacy with Kim, giving Beijing potential leverage in future negotiations involving Washington and Pyongyang.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, left Beijing on Monday for a state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Xi's trip is at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK. Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.   

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” and said the United States and China would have “a fantastic future together” as the two leaders opened a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday. The two presidents are holding a two-day summit focused on issues including the Iran war, trade, technology and Taiwan, although few major breakthroughs are expected. In his opening remarks before bilateral talks, Trump said it was an “honour” to meet Xi and described him as his “friend.” “We've gotten along. When there were difficulties, we worked it out. I would call you and you would call me. People don't know, whenever we had a problem we worked it out very quickly,” he said. “You're a great leader, sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it's true...It's an honour to be with you; it's an honour to be your friend... We're going to have a fantastic future together.” Trump said he had brought the “best [business leaders] in the world” with him to China. “Only the top people here today to pay respects to you,” he said. The US delegation includes leading executives such as Jensen Huang and Elon Musk. Trump said some people had described the meeting as “the biggest summit ever” and added that he was looking forward “very much” to the discussions. The US president made only a brief reference to past tensions in relations, including trade disputes, US support for Taiwan and concerns over the flow of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl. He did not mention differences over the Iran war. In his remarks, Xi called for “cooperation” rather than “confrontation” between the world’s two largest economies. “The whole world is watching our meeting. Currently, a transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. The world has come to a new crossroads,” Xi said. Raising broader questions about the future of bilateral ties, Xi said: “Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of major country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide more stability for the world? Can we, in the interests of the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, build a brighter future together for our bilateral relations?” “These are the questions vital to history, to the world, and to the people. They are the questions of our times that you and I need to answer as leaders of major countries,” he added. Xi is also expected to raise Washington’s decision to approve an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. Stability in US-China relations is seen as the main objective of the summit. Trump is scheduled to leave Beijing on Friday after a final private meeting with Xi. #Via NDTV

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday described China’s relations with Russia as “precious,” saying their stability brings certainty at a time of global change and uncertainty. Speaking during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, Xi said the long-standing friendship treaty between the two countries shows strong vitality and growing importance under current global conditions. He stressed the need for closer strategic cooperation between China and Russia to protect their shared interests and support unity among Global South countries, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Xi also urged both nations to act responsibly as major powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council by promoting multilateralism and strengthening the role of the United Nations. He said the international order should move in a more fair and balanced direction. Although Xi highlighted global “changes and chaos,” he did not specify what he meant. His remarks come amid continued uncertainty over the duration of the Iran war. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview that the conflict was “close to over,” repeating earlier claims of U.S. success despite ongoing complexities on the ground. China-Russia relations have grown closer in recent years, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Trump’s approach to the Ukraine war has added new dynamics, it has not significantly altered ties between Beijing and Moscow. During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China in September, both leaders referred to each other as close friends. Xi on Wednesday called on both countries’ foreign ministries to implement agreements reached at the leadership level, strengthen communication and deepen diplomatic coordination. He said the partnership should continue to grow stronger and move forward steadily. Lavrov said Russia-China relations remain resilient despite global challenges, noting progress in trade, investment and coordination at the UN and other international platforms. He added that Russia is ready to work with China to promote global fairness, strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to world peace. Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.  

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that he hopes to work with U.S. President Donald Trump in the new year to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through wind and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. During his talks with Trump over phone, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, he said. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns, Xi said. The Chinese president said that both China and the United States have important items on their agenda this year -- China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the United States, the G20 Summit, he added. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation, Xi said. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small, he said, noting that the two sides should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said.  

The interim government said on Sunday that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ just-concluded visit to China, marked by a high honour from President Xi Jinping, would foster mutual benefits through joint efforts on key issues. High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was present. "We feel very inspired," Khalilur Rahman said, describing the level of honour that Dr Yunus and his delegation members received from the Chinese delegation. The Bangladeshi side welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). "They (Chinese side) have also shown a positive approach," Khalilur Rahman said. Bangladesh appreciated China’s constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. Interview: Bangladesh-China relations to enter new stage, says Bangladeshi interim gov't chief adviser Yunus China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China assured that they will try their best and will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities, said the High Representative. Regarding investment, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik said they are taking forward the bilateral relationship in a manner that both sides benefit mutually. He said they met more than 100 companies and their top executives. "I made a presentation explaining why Bangladesh is a destination for Investment. Bangladesh is open for doing business," said the BIDA Executive Chairman who also shared with the Chinese businesses about recent reforms for improving the investment climate in Bangladesh. During the visit, the two sides signed the agreement on "Economic and Technical Cooperation" between the two governments and other cooperation documents on translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media, sports, and health sector. Dr Yunus invites Chinese President Xi to visit Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape. The two sides agreed to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples. The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions. China has always followed a policy of good neighborliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity, according to the joint media statement. President Xi promises stronger cooperation with Bangladesh for its rapid progress At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Dr Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from March 26 to 27 and then at the invitation of the government of the People’s Republic of China, he visited Beijing from March 27 to 29. President Xi met with Dr Yunus in Beijing on March 28.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. President Xi and Dr Yunus also discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests. Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations. At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there. During the meeting, he focused on Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume