United News of Bangladesh

Chinese police have detained those responsible for a steel factory in the Inner Mongolia region after an explosion killed two people and sent 84 others to hospital, with eight still missing. City authorities in Baotou said a pressurised storage tank used to hold steam and high-temperature water exploded at a Baogang United Steel plant at around 3pm local time on Sunday. The blast triggered tremors across nearby areas, officials said on Monday. Rescue teams are continuing their search for eight people who remain unaccounted for. A representative of Baotou’s Information Office told a news conference that emergency crews were working around the clock at the site. Baogang United Steel is a major state-owned enterprise, according to Chinese state media.

Canada has agreed to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in return for sharp cuts to Chinese duties on key Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Speaking after two days of talks with Chinese leaders, Carney said the deal will initially allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter the Canadian market. In exchange, China will lower its tariff on Canadian canola seeds from about 84 percent to around 15 percent. The announcement came as Canada and China signaled a broader effort to reset relations after years of tension. Carney said his visit, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, marked “a historic and productive” step toward rebuilding ties and adapting cooperation to new global realities. He called for closer collaboration in agriculture, energy and finance. Chinese President Xi Jinping said talks since an initial meeting last October had helped open a new chapter in bilateral relations and that Beijing was willing to continue working to improve ties. Venezuela’s new leader signals oil sector reforms and warmer US ties Relations between the two countries deteriorated in recent years after Canada followed the United States in imposing steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. China retaliated with heavy duties on Canadian canola oil, meal and seeds, as well as pork and seafood, effectively shutting Canadian canola out of the Chinese market. The renewed engagement comes as both countries face economic pressure from US President Donald Trump’s America-first trade policies, which have disrupted global commerce and hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney said his government is seeking to build an economy less dependent on the United States and to diversify trade partnerships during a period of global trade disruption. After leaving China on Saturday, Carney will visit Qatar before heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to meet business leaders and investors to promote trade and investment.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua/UNB) — Two giant pandas from China, named “Chenxing” and “Xiaoyue,” made their first public appearance in Malaysia on Saturday. A milestone moment: Indonesia’s first giant Panda cub revealed The panda pair, which is on loan to Malaysia, was formally introduced to visitors during a special ceremony at the Giant Panda Conservation Center at Zoo Negara, the country’s national zoo. The debut followed a period of quarantine and adjustment to their new environment. Meet Jia Jia and De De, Hong Kong's first locally born giant pandas Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the event as the guest of honor, alongside senior government officials and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Giant Panda "Yi Yi" celebrates second birthday in Malaysia

China on Sunday called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, expressing serious concern over their seizure by U.S. forces. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said Beijing was responding to reports that U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife on Saturday and took them out of Venezuela, drawing objections from several countries. Starlink offers Free internet to Venezuela Until Feb 3 China said the move constituted a clear violation of international law, fundamental norms governing international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The spokesperson urged the United States to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, stop efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government, and resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation rather than force.

Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd. and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in vocational education, skills development, and human resource capacity building between Bangladesh and China. The MoU was signed on January 3 at the BCCCI Office and aims to establish a long-term and sustainable cooperative framework between affiliated vocational institutions of Bangladesh and leading vocational institutions of China. Under this strategic partnership, the parties will collaborate on technical training programs, institutional exchanges, technology sharing, and capacity development initiatives, thereby contributing to industrial growth and workforce modernization in both countries. Read more: Beijing seeks deeper cooperation with Dhaka to advance ‘Health Silk Road’ The signing ceremony was attended by Mohd. Khorshed Alam, President of BCCCI; Yue Xueshan, General Manager of Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Yong, Deputy General Manager of CCECC Bangladesh Ltd. (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation). On behalf of BCCCI, the event was also attended by Secretary General Jamilur Rahman, Adviser to President Md. Faizul Alam, Vice President Khandaker Atiqur Rahman, Vice President Masud Ali Khan, Director Asif Haque Rupo, Executive Director Md. Abu Taher & Dr. Md. Sadi, Principal, Yidai Yilu Chinese Institute. This MoU, BCCCI on Sunday said, represents a significant milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation and fostering long-term partnerships aimed at supporting inclusive development and industrial competitiveness. Read more: 17 private banks sign MoU to support universal pension scheme

The first Bangladesh-China Joint Cardiovascular Disease Clinic was inaugurated at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) on Tuesday (December 02) to have deeper cooperation in the health sector, contributing to the ‘Health Silk Road’. Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Deputy Director General of the Yunnan Foreign Affairs Office Ma Zuoxin and Deputy Director of the Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Shi Jinyang, among others, attended the ceremony. Read more: Have deep relations with US, extensive economic ties with China: Touhid Hossain

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to defend global free trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Friday, where he took center stage after U.S. President Donald Trump skipped the meeting. The annual regional forum, held this year in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, opened a day after Trump departed the country. His earlier meeting with Xi had produced agreements aimed at easing the trade tensions that have rattled the global economy. Although the two leaders’ talks dominated attention, Trump’s absence from APEC underscored his continued rejection of large multilateral gatherings. Critics warn that this could further damage America’s reputation in a forum representing almost 40% of the global population and more than half of world trade. Xi Calls for Unity and Open Trade Addressing APEC’s opening session, Xi urged member nations to strengthen cooperation amid global uncertainty. “The more turbulent the times, the more we must work together,” he said, noting that the world faces “rapid changes and increasing volatility.” He emphasized the importance of stable supply chains, countering U.S. efforts to separate from China economically. Xi also called for deeper collaboration in green industries and clean energy. Read more: Xi, Carney meet in South Korea to rebuild strained China-Canada ties In a written message to the APEC CEO summit, Xi reaffirmed that China remains open to investment and committed to the multilateral trading system. “Those who establish a presence in the Chinese market will seize key opportunities in global competition,” he wrote. “Investing in China means investing in the future.” Representing Trump, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington’s efforts to rebalance trade were aimed at ensuring “fair and reciprocal” terms, and at creating more resilient production networks that reduce dependence on vulnerable sectors. Xi’s Diplomatic Meetings The summit marked Xi’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years. On the sidelines, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. During talks with Takaichi, Xi called for a “constructive and stable relationship for a new era,” while Takaichi expressed hopes of addressing bilateral issues and building a stronger personal rapport with Xi. Xi is also expected to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday, with discussions likely to include North Korea’s nuclear program. APEC’s Growing Challenges Founded in 1989 to promote free and open trade across the Asia-Pacific, APEC now faces mounting challenges, including U.S.-China rivalry, supply chain disruptions, aging populations, and the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Under Trump, Washington has shifted from cooperation to competition with Beijing, with tariff hikes and an “America First” agenda unsettling global markets and challenging decades of globalization. Read more: WHO: Militia Assault on Darfur hospital came in multiple waves Opening the summit, host President Lee urged members to focus on solidarity and shared prosperity. “We may not always stand on the same side, but we can unite around our common goal of mutual growth,” he said. Canada’s Carney echoed that sentiment, announcing plans to double his country’s non-U.S. exports within a decade, citing “one of the most profound global shifts since the fall of the Berlin Wall.” Despite the positive tone after Trump and Xi’s meeting, experts warn that tensions could flare again as both nations vie for dominance in manufacturing and emerging technologies like AI. “Bringing the two largest economies together to ease tariff and export disputes helped avert the worst outcomes for global trade,” said Leif-Eric Easley, professor at Ewha Womans University. “But APEC should be more than a platform for trade truces — it must advance cooperation on sustainable and digital trade.” South Korea Seeks Consensus As host, South Korea is pushing for all 21 member economies to adopt a joint statement — a goal that eluded APEC in 2018 due to U.S.-China friction. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun recently said that while a strong pro–free trade statement may be difficult, Seoul hopes for a broader declaration highlighting regional peace and prosperity. This year’s agenda also prioritizes collaboration on artificial intelligence and demographic challenges. Read more: Have deep relations with US, extensive economic ties with China: Touhid Hossain

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said there is nothing for anyone to worry about regarding Dhaka’s engagement with Beijing, stressing that Bangladesh maintains a balanced approach in its relations with other countries. “I don’t think there is any reason for concern, since we have maintained a balance. There is nothing for anyone to worry about,” he said when a journalist asked for his comments on concerns expressed by a third country about Bangladesh’s engagement with China. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said Bangladesh maintains a balanced policy in its relations with other countries and that there is no question of avoiding relations with any particular nation. “We have deep relations with the United States and extensive economic relations with China,” said the Foreign Affairs Adviser, expressing confidence that Bangladesh will continue to uphold this balanced approach. Hossain also said he believes that future governments will continue to follow this policy. Govt considers HR issues but won’t accept all foreign recommendations: Foreign Adviser Touhid Brent Christensen, nominee for US Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Thursday said if confirmed, he would engage with the Bangladesh government and military to “clearly articulate the risks from Chinese activity, involvement with their military activities in the maritime domain and in their critical infrastructure, as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits that come with a closer partnership with the United States, especially military-to-military. "The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future," he told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in his opening statement during his nomination hearing. If confirmed, Christensen said, he looks forward to leading the Embassy Dhaka team to build strong ties with both the current interim government and its democratically elected successor to advance the US- Bangladesh relationship. Meeting between Touhid Hossain and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar underway Responding to another question, Hossain said, “I think Bangladesh receives significant attention in the international arena compared to its size and strength.” “Those who are bigger and stronger than us naturally have greater visibility. But considering our economic and political position, our visibility is not small - we are maintaining our presence everywhere,” he added.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said Bangladesh and China will move forward hand in hand to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bringing peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of both countries and the world. In a video message on Wednesday night marking two occasions, Prof Yunus reviewed the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years, stating that China is Bangladesh's closest friend and most reliable partner. Extending warm congratulations on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties, he expressed gratitude for China's long-standing trust, assistance, and support for Bangladesh. He spoke highly of the remarkable achievements made by China under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in areas such as economic development, technological innovation, poverty alleviation, and serving the people, as well as its inspiration and contributions to the Global South and the international community.

President Donald Trump on Saturday called on NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil and warned of imposing tariffs of 50% to 100% on China over its continued purchases of Russian petroleum. In a post on his social media platform, Trump said NATO’s commitment to the Ukraine war has been “far less than 100%,” describing the purchase of Russian oil by some alliance members as “shocking.” Addressing NATO members, he wrote: “It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia.” Since 2023, Turkey has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil, after China and India, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Other NATO members, including Hungary and Slovakia, also continue to import Russian oil. It remains unclear whether Trump intends to confront Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán directly. Trump’s comments came after multiple Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Wednesday, a NATO ally. Poland shot down the drones, but Trump downplayed the incursion, suggesting it “could have been a mistake.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, called the drone incident “unacceptable and dangerous,” though he said it was still unclear whether Russia deliberately targeted Poland. Trump calls 50% India tariffs a big deal, says it caused a rift with India While Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war swiftly, critics say he has avoided pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. His recent meeting with Putin in Alaska produced little progress toward peace. Meanwhile, Congress is pressing him to support a bill toughening sanctions against Moscow. The U.S. and its allies are moving to show firmer resolve. At an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Friday, acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea reaffirmed that Washington “will defend every inch of NATO territory,” calling the drone incursion “a sign of immense disrespect” for U.S.-led peace efforts. Britain on Friday also banned 70 vessels linked to Russian oil trade and sanctioned 30 individuals and companies, including Chinese and Turkish businesses accused of supplying Russia with weapons components. Trump argued that a NATO-wide ban on Russian oil, combined with heavy tariffs on China, would be a decisive step. “China has a strong grip over Russia, and powerful tariffs will break that grip,” he wrote, adding that tariffs could be withdrawn once the war ends. The U.S. president has already imposed a 25% import tax on Indian goods tied to Russian energy purchases, raising the overall tariff to 50%. Still, Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions with China remain high. Earlier this year, Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods prompted Beijing to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. exports, effectively freezing trade between the world’s two largest economies. Subsequent negotiations lowered U.S. tariffs to 30% and China’s to 10%. In his latest post, Trump blamed the war on his predecessor Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while notably excluding Putin. His remarks followed a call with Group of Seven finance ministers on Friday, during which U.S. officials urged their counterparts to cut off revenues funding Russia’s war effort.