United News of Bangladesh

China's military has promoted two senior officers to the rank of general, a move that could signal a broader leadership reshuffle after years of anti-corruption investigations removed several top commanders. The latest promotions are widely seen as part of efforts to strengthen the military's loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping. Xi, who also heads the armed forces, awarded the promotions to Zhang Shuguang and Air Force Commander Wang Gang during a ceremony on Friday. Zhang was also appointed to lead the anti-corruption investigation department under the Central Military Commission (CMC), the military's highest decision-making body. The appointments could position both officers to fill vacant seats on the seven-member CMC, which has been left with only two active members following the removal of several senior officials in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Xi serves as chairman of the commission, while Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin is currently its only other active member. The campaign has led to the removal or sidelining of two former vice chairmen, including the military's highest-ranking general. A new Central Military Commission is expected to be announced in the autumn of next year when the current five-year term ends.

Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is determined to build an economic corridor with Bangladesh and Myanmar, stressing that the game is not end here and they remain open to other countries to join. “This cooperation is not the end of the game. We are open, and we welcome other countries if they are ready (to join). But it is up to them to decide whether they want to be part of it or whether they prefer to wait and see. China is determined to work with Bangladesh and Myanmar to build the economic corridor,” he said while responding to a question during a media briefing at the Embassy of China.  Ambassador Yao made the remarks when his attention was drawn to a corridor originally conceived in 1999 as the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor under the BCIM Forum. “I believe Myanmar also wants to have this sort of cooperation and our three countries can construct this connectivity (economic corridor).” The two sides, during the just-concluded visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China, discussed proposals to strengthen regional connectivity, particularly multimodal transport links from Kunming to Bangladeshi ports, as well as China’s proposal for the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said the issue of building an Economic Corridor is not new and there were discussions on Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor but there had been no progress. Director at the Embassy Zhang Jing and Counselor Song Yang were also present at the media briefing that described the visit as a "complete success." "It's a complete success. It's a milestone in Bangladesh-China relations which reached a new strategic height," said the Ambassador. “The visit has injected strong momentum into the future development of China-Bangladesh relations. The visit was a complete success. It is a milestone in the history of China-Bangladesh relations,” he said. The Ambassador said a new level of trust developed between the two countries with this visit and described the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar China Economic Corridor as a new strategic opportunity. The two sides also agreed to explore new options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between Bangladesh and China, and the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. “We believe these initiatives will open up new strategic opportunities for Bangladesh's economic development,” the envoy said. Teesta: Most Closely Watched Issue Ambassador Yao said the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) was highlighted during the visit as livelihoods of millions of people are involved. "Teesta is a Bangladesh project. It's your project," he added. The envoy said the Teesta project has been one of the most closely watched issues. “During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on water resources cooperation.” Ambassador Yao said China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Bangladesh in water resources planning, river management, flood prevention and disaster reduction. “We will also enhance capacity building and personnel training in the water sector. Let me make one point very clear. China's commitment to the Teesta river project remains unchanged,” he said. The envoy said China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity for the Teesta project and support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study and related work. He also talked about the key achievements of the Prime Minister's visit to China - the launch of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level and the exploration of a "2+2" dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence. Talking about defence cooperation, Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China cooperation is comprehensive and the defence cooperation is part of that. He declined to make comments on any specific defence purchase. “We also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministers and explore a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense,” he said, noting that these arrangements will provide a stronger and more stable platform for strategic communication between the two countries. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance mutual learning on governance, and strengthen cooperation between governments, legislative bodies and political parties. The Ambassador 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 all the people of Bangladesh. “No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor and good partner of Bangladesh,” said the Chinese envoy. He said China welcomes Bangladesh's participation in the group of friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to advance the MoU on promoting the implementation of the GDI. The GDI focuses on humanity’s shared development needs, aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and addresses key global development challenges. Reaching a New Strategic Height Ambassador Yao said the most significant outcome of the visit was the decision by the two sides to elevate the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to jointly build a ‘China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.’ He said this represents the highest level of China's relations with its friendly neighbors in Asia. This was the Prime Minister's first visit to China since taking office. It was also the first formal meeting between the leaders of the two countries since the formation of Bangladesh's new government. “The leaders of the two countries had candid and productive discussions. They reached important new consensus and sent a clear message of stronger communication, deeper mutual trust and closer cooperation,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the visit has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh-China friendship. “As our two countries embark on the next golden fifty years of bilateral relations, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to fully implement the important consensus reached by our leaders and the outcomes of the visit.” Together, the envoy said, they will translate these outcomes into tangible results and stronger momentum for economic and social development, bringing greater benefits to our two countries and our two peoples. Bangladesh and China signed 17 bilateral instruments, including MoUs, agreements, a joint action plan, and an agricultural trade protocol, to further strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides signed an MoU on promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Another MoU on exchanges and cooperation between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China was also signed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China's rapid industrial growth offers a valuable example for developing countries, as he projected greater confidence in the country's role on the global stage. Speaking at an event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party, Xi said China had achieved in just a few decades what took many wealthy nations centuries to accomplish. "We advocate the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, providing Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength for addressing major issues facing humanity," Xi said. Xi, who is in his 14th year as China's leader, said the country is ready to contribute its experience and ideas to help address global challenges. China has long criticized U.S. influence over the international system. While Beijing says it does not seek to replace the existing global order, it wants reforms that better reflect the interests of developing countries. Last year, China engaged in a major trade dispute with the United States that led President Donald Trump to reduce some of the import tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. Xi said the world is going through a period of uncertainty and major change, leaving humanity at a critical turning point. He repeated China's commitment to building a new type of international relationship aimed at promoting global peace and development. His speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing echoed key messages from his address during the Communist Party's 100th anniversary in 2021. These included strengthening China's military and pursuing the country's goal of bringing Taiwan under Beijing's control. Xi also stressed the need to modernize the military more rapidly to meet world-class standards while maintaining the Communist Party's firm leadership over the armed forces. In recent years, several senior military officers have been removed as part of an anti-corruption campaign that analysts say has also helped strengthen Xi's control over the military.  

China has announced a second batch of scientific and engineering achievements from its Qingzhou cargo spacecraft test vehicle, highlighting progress in space technology, low-cost space operations, space medicine and biological research. The latest results were released on Monday by the team behind the Qingzhou test vehicle. The first batch of in-orbit findings was made public on April 15. The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which led the spacecraft's development, said the new achievements will help advance space technologies, improve the safe operation of China's space station and support the future use of space resources. Among the latest developments, an upgraded steam-compression space refrigerator successfully operated in microgravity after overcoming gas-liquid separation challenges. The technology is expected to provide a more affordable solution for transporting temperature-sensitive supplies in space. The team also confirmed the successful in-orbit testing of a space rescue and maintenance diagnostic camera, which is now operating normally. In the field of space medicine, researchers tested a muscle signal detector powered by a self-developed neural chip. The device successfully collected and transmitted weak muscle signals in real time while in orbit. A handheld blood cell analyzer also completed testing, demonstrating its ability to help astronauts monitor their health without relying on bulky medical equipment or support from ground-based teams. The spacecraft also achieved new milestones in space biology. A low-cost biological support cabin designed for space experiments completed its first successful test, providing a reusable platform for future life science research. Researchers also confirmed that Syntrichia caninervis, a plant known for surviving extreme conditions, remained alive after exposure to microgravity, radiation and drought-like conditions in space. The findings could support future efforts to create sustainable ecosystems beyond Earth. Launched in March this year, the 4.2-tonne Qingzhou test vehicle has a planned service life of three years. It features a single integrated cabin with about 27 cubic metres of sealed storage space and 40 cargo slots for astronaut supplies and scientific equipment. After completing a series of key technology demonstrations, the first operational Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is expected to be launched in 2027 to deliver supplies to China's space station.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for closer integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial development, saying stronger quality management is essential to boost the supply of high-quality products and services. Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to east China's Zhejiang Province from Thursday to Saturday. He said China should continue creating new drivers of economic growth and strengthen its competitive advantages to support the country's steady economic recovery. During his tour of the cities of Hangzhou and Yiwu, Zhang visited companies working in sectors such as brain-computer interface technology, robotics and textiles. He described enterprises as the main force behind innovation and said their role should be further strengthened. He urged companies to invest more in basic research, pursue cutting-edge innovation and speed up breakthroughs in key technologies. Zhang also called for expanding the country's AI Plus Initiative by promoting practical applications of artificial intelligence. He said faster development of industry-specific AI models and intelligent agents would help modernize manufacturing, improve productivity and support the transformation of traditional industries into smarter, greener and more integrated operations. During a visit to the Yiwu International Trade City, Zhang reviewed quality control, brand development and regulation of e-commerce platforms. He urged businesses to put quality first, build stronger brands through innovation and develop long-term brand strategies. He also called for stricter action against trademark infringement and counterfeit products in line with the law. The vice premier said platform companies should play a greater role in promoting innovation, supporting economic growth, creating jobs and improving China's competitiveness in global markets while increasing the supply of high-quality products and services.

Seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China has decided to provide support within its capacity to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). The Chinese side will also support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and relevant work, according to a joint statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.  The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in such areas as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, and river dredging, and related technology sharing. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs. The 15-point joint communiqué between China and Bangladesh was issued in the afternoon.  Bangladesh commended China’s constructive role in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.  The Chinese side commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance to those people, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations.  China will continue to facilitate this process to the best of its capabilities. During the visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation documents in sectors including development cooperation, human resources cooperation, agriculture, education, trade and investment and media cooperation. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the government and the people of of China for the warm and friendly reception extended to him and his delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. At the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, paid an official visit to China from June 22 to 26, 2026 and attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 (Summer Davos) in Dalian, China. During the visit, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, met with Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, held talks with Tarique Rahman.  Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, had a meeting with Prime Minister Rahman.  The two sides conducted an in-depth exchange of views on China-Bangladesh relations, and international and regional affairs of common interest and reached a broad consensus. China will continue to support Bangladesh to the best of its capacity in advancing the economic and social development of Bangladesh. China will strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, e-commerce, industrial and supply chains, and investment, in order to upgrade its export capacity and jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, according to the joint statement.  Bangladesh appreciated China for the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, and will foster a favorable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh.  The two sides to jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as connectivity, scientific and technological innovation, information and communications, green energy, photovoltaic technology, disaster prevention and mitigation, and addressing climate change.  Both sides agreed to explore newer options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between China and Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to deepen defense cooperation including exchanges, visits and training. Both sides agreed to maintain mutual understanding and engagement on U.N. peacekeeping affairs. The two sides commended the successful commemoration of the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.  They agreed to deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such areas as media, think tanks, education, films, publishing, youth, sports and culture.  The two sides will strengthen cooperation in human resources development and support closer cooperation between universities and vocational colleges. China will continue to provide   The two sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation in such areas as public health and traditional medicine.  Bangladesh welcomed and appreciated Chinese cooperation at subnational levels such as Yunnan Province in medical and health care. Bangladesh appreciated and supported the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the series of Global Initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and stood ready to carry out cooperation with China.  China supported Bangladesh in playing a greater role in multilateral institutions such as the U.N., and supported Bangladesh to participate in the BRICS and the application of Bangladesh to become the partner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.  The two sides expressed readiness to continue promoting multilateral cooperation in the region and welcome more countries in the region to join in the process. Both sides agreed to firmly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and continue efforts to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Both sides agreed that it is essential to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II and oppose any attempts for fascistic and militaristic revival.  The two sides expressed support for the postwar international order established by the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and other international legal documents including the U.N. Charter. The two sides shared the view that since the inception of their diplomatic relations in 1975, China and Bangladesh have continuously cemented their political mutual trust, strengthened traditional friendship, and carried out fruitful pragmatic cooperation, and their bilateral relations enjoy promising prospects.  The Chinese side congratulated Bangladesh for smoothly holding a general election in February 2026, expressed support for the governance of the new government of Bangladesh, and acknowledged that the new government of Bangladesh implemented the “Bangladesh Before All” policy.  The Bangladeshi side believed that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will bring important development opportunities to Bangladesh.  Both sides agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, to bring about more benefits to the two countries and peoples. The two sides agreed to keep the momentum of high-level interactions, increase exchanges of governance experience, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between governments, legislative bodies and political parties.  The two sides agreed to set up a mechanism for strategic dialogue between foreign ministers.  The two sides agreed to explore “2+2” dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense. The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.  They stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge.  Bangladesh reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, and recognised that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.  Bangladesh resolutely opposed any form of “Taiwan independence”, firmly supported efforts of the Chinese government in achieving national reunification.  China reaffirmed its policy of good neighborliness toward all people of Bangladesh, firmly supported Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respected the choice of the people of Bangladesh for an independent development path suited to their national conditions. The two sides agreed to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and work together to realize their goals of modernization.  China will pursue greater synergy with Bangladesh on development plans, promote both major signature projects and “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and continue to support Bangladesh in advancing industrialization and enhancing agricultural modernization and resilience. 

China has expressed strong interest in supporting Bangladesh’s Teesta River management project through technical assistance, planning and feasibility studies, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing at the Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Mahdi said the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including water resource management, trade, investment, education, healthcare and people-to-people connectivity. He said Bangladesh has a comprehensive master plan for the Teesta project, as outlined in the BNP election manifesto, and China has shown willingness to be involved at different stages of the initiative. “China has expressed interest in providing technical support where necessary and sharing its expertise in project design, planning and implementation,” Mahdi said. He said both sides agreed on the importance of conducting a joint feasibility study for the Teesta project, describing it as a critical step for such a large-scale undertaking. “China wants to work with Bangladesh on the joint feasibility study and contribute its expertise to integrated water resource management and drainage systems,” the spokesperson added. Mahdi, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said Bangladesh and China also discussed ways to narrow the trade imbalance and increase Bangladeshi exports to the Chinese market. “China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. At the same time, Bangladesh imports far more from China than it exports. Discussions focused on how Bangladesh can diversify and increase its exports,” he said. The adviser noted that both sides reviewed opportunities to make better use of China’s duty-free market access for Bangladeshi products and explored additional measures to boost exports. Referring to the vast Chinese consumer market, he said Bangladesh has significant potential to increase exports if it can further strengthen its supply chain and align products with Chinese demand. Mahdi said China confirmed the import of Bangladeshi jackfruit, opening up new opportunities for agricultural exports. “Besides jackfruit, there is scope for exporting more fruits, vegetables, agro-processed products and fisheries items. There are also opportunities in pharmaceuticals, ceramics and high-tech industries,” he said. According to the adviser, discussions were also held on preparing a joint action plan to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. He said Chinese state-owned and private companies have shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s digital economy, information technology, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. Mahdi also revealed that several Chinese banks are considering launching operations in Bangladesh, encouraged by ongoing reforms in the country’s financial sector. “China believes there are investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s banking sector as the country continues to strengthen and modernise its financial system,” he said. The spokesperson said people-to-people connectivity featured prominently in the discussions between the two prime ministers. He said the two sides explored cooperation in education, including the introduction of Mandarin language learning and support for technical and vocational education programmes in Bangladesh. China also expressed interest in expanding healthcare cooperation, including increasing Chinese-supported hospital projects in Bangladesh, Mahdi said. He said discussions were held on easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment in China and enhancing healthcare services for Bangladeshi citizens. The PMO spokesperson said the two countries also discussed facilitating visas and increasing scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in China. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present at the briefing.

China on Thursday defended its recent coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a day after Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over what they called new Chinese activities in the area. The three European countries said the actions could threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping. In response, China said its patrols were aimed at maintaining maritime order and stability in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that the patrols were carried out after Japan and the Philippines announced plans to discuss maritime boundary issues in waters that Beijing claims as its own. According to Guo, the patrols were a necessary response to what China sees as attempts by Japan and the Philippines to interfere in maritime boundary matters and undermine China's maritime rights and interests. In a joint statement, the unofficial embassies of Britain, France and Germany in Taiwan said China's activities posed risks to regional security and international shipping routes. Taiwan's Central News Agency also reported that the United States had raised concerns over the developments. Earlier this month, Taiwan accused Chinese coast guard vessels of harassing commercial ships near the island by asking them to disclose their planned routes. The waters east of Taiwan are a major shipping corridor used for transporting oil, gas and goods between the Middle East, Europe and East Asia. Taiwan governs itself independently, but China considers the island part of its territory and claims authority over the surrounding waters. Guo maintained that the coast guard operations were lawful and represented China's legitimate exercise of jurisdiction. Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have risen in recent months. Relations became more strained after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that Japan's military could become involved if China took military action against Taiwan. Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in China-US relations. The United States is Taiwan's main arms supplier and has repeatedly voiced support for the island's self-defense capabilities. This week, China sent its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait shortly after Taiwan launched a five-day military exercise aimed at preparing for a possible Chinese attack.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's ongoing visit to China is expected to help bring Bangladesh back onto its development trajectory through deeper bilateral cooperation, said Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Center for Alternatives, Bangladesh. Ahmed said investment should be high on the agenda for the new Bangladeshi government, as investment had declined over the past two years amid political uncertainty and instability. "Now that we have an elected government with a mandate, I believe the new government will try to increase investment as much as possible," he said in an interview with Xinhua. At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman is paying an official visit to China. The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese leaders. He will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 25 and Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26. Apart from infrastructure, Bangladesh also expects more investment in health, education and energy, Ahmed said, noting that health and primary education are areas with strong public demand. Ahmed said surveys conducted by his center over the past three years showed a very positive image of China in Bangladesh. "There is strong public support for China and for Chinese investment," he said, adding that Chinese investment in infrastructure, including ports and bridges, has made a visible difference in Bangladesh. Ahmed also noted that he has recently published a book, which focuses on both the five-decade development of Bangladesh-China ties and the long-standing civilizational links between the two peoples, adding that it is important to build on such ties. As the world moves toward multipolarity, the Global South and Asian economies are gaining greater importance, Ahmed said. Bangladesh, one of the world's most populous countries, can become a critical actor in strengthening cooperation among Global South countries, he added. At this important moment when Bangladesh and China are ushering in the next golden 50 years of diplomatic relations, the Prime Minister's visit to China holds historic significance in building on past achievements and charting the way forward, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. He said this visit will surely inject strong impetus into the development of Bangladesh-China relations in the coming period and promote the upgrading of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in both quality and substance, reports UNB. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the Chinese Ambassador said, Bangladesh-China relations will forge ahead with more solid political mutual trust, more in-depth practical cooperation, and more robust international collaboration.

Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15-17 bilateral instruments during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to the East Asian country, as the leaders of the two nations plan to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues and elevate their ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ to a new height. The instruments may include 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. There is likely to be a certain level of financial support allocated for projects in Bangladesh during the visit, a diplomatic source told UNB. The Prime Minister will visit China from June 23 to 26 at the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The bilateral instruments will be signed in the presence of the two leaders following their bilateral meeting on June 25 in Beijing.The Prime Minister will also attend a state banquet hosted in his honour by his Chinese counterpart. Apart from the bilateral meeting with the Chinese Premier on June 25, Prime Minister Tarique will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26. He is scheduled to return home on Friday night. There will be discussions on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), the Foreign Secretary said. Four Global Initiatives Asked about Dhaka’s position on the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh is considering the initiatives positively and that further decisions may become clear following the visit. The Chinese President has put forward four global initiatives - the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) - as responses to contemporary global challenges. The Foreign Secretary said the size of the Prime Minister’s delegation to China has been kept relatively small, comprising 28 members. “We tried to keep it at a logical level,” he said. He said the current government is pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy guided by the principle of ‘Bangladesh First’. Since assuming office, the Prime Minister has maintained close contact with heads of state and government from various countries and has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to safeguard Bangladesh’s interests, the Foreign Secretary said. “As part of these efforts, the Prime Minister will visit Malaysia on June 21-22 and China on June 23-26,” the Foreign Secretary said. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is organising an investment summit titled ‘Bangladesh Investment Forum’, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver a speech highlighting Bangladesh’s investment climate and potential before Chinese business leaders and invite greater investment in the country. “The visit is expected to take the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ to a new height and open new horizons of cooperation between the two countries,” the Foreign Secretary said. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s twin visits to Malaysia and China, beginning on Sunday, represent a strategic diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attracting foreign investment and enhancing connectivity. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Foreign Secretary said. From Kuala Lumpur, he will depart for China on Monday afternoon. This will be the first overseas visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman since his government assumed office in February this year. Summer Davos Forum During his official visit to China, the Prime Minister will attend the World Economic Forum’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the 2026 Summer Davos Forum.The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions will be held in the port city of Dalian, in northeast China’s Liaoning Province, from June 23 to 25, organisers announced earlier this week. More than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions are expected to attend the meeting, and preparations for the event are largely complete, according to an event spokesperson. This year’s meeting, themed “Innovating at Scale,” will feature discussions on topics including the next phase of China’s economic trajectory and ways to translate technological advances into tangible economic benefits. Additional Foreign Secretary (Public Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the media briefing.