United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and China eye an enhanced cooperation as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set begin his first official visit to China- May 5-7 at the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Through this visit, China hopes to work with the new government of Bangladesh to enhance political mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. During the visit, the Foreign Minister will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.The two Foreign Minister are expected to engage in comprehensive bilateral discussions on issues of mutual interest alongside exchange of views on contemporary regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. The two Ministers are also expected to discuss about possible alignment of their development policies and strategic priorities.During the visit Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is scheduled to meet the Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. Minister for International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Haixing will host a lunch in honor of Bangladesh Foreign Minister, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Humaiun Kobir, Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Ashiq Chowdhury, Chairman of BIDA, and senior Government officials will accompany the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh and China have long been each other's friends and close neighbors and are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. Over the past five decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have been developing friendly ties on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and with mutual respect and equality, and the bilateral ties have enjoyed sustained and steady progress and delivered tangibly for the two peoples, said the Chinese side. China said it attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh.

At least 26 people were killed and 61 others injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in central China, state media reported on Tuesday. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon at a facility in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, according to Xinhua News Agency. The factory was operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha known as a major hub for fireworks production, China Daily reported. Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed thick white smoke still rising from parts of the site on Tuesday, with several structures either collapsed or severely damaged. Authorities deployed nearly 500 rescuers to the scene and evacuated residents from nearby risk zones due to concerns over two black powder storage facilities close to the blast site, Xinhua said. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, and police have detained the person in charge of the company. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to locate missing persons and treat the injured. He also urged a swift investigation and strict accountability, while directing authorities to strengthen safety management and conduct risk assessments in key industries. Rescue teams took precautionary measures, including spraying water and humidifying the area to reduce hazards during operations. Three robots were also deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts. Liuyang has a long-standing tradition in fireworks manufacturing. According to Guinness World Records, the origins of fireworks can be traced back to Li Tian, a monk from the Tang dynasty (618–907 C.E.), who is credited with creating early firecrackers using gunpowder packed in bamboo to produce explosive sounds. Earlier this year, China reported two separate deadly explosions at fireworks shops during the Lunar New Year period.

Organisers of a global human rights conference have cancelled the event in Zambia just days before it was set to begin, alleging pressure from China to bar Taiwanese activists. New York-based advocacy group Access Now, which hosts the annual RightsCon summit, said Friday it decided to call off the gathering after the Zambian government initially announced a postponement. According to Access Now, Zambian officials indicated that China had raised concerns about the participation of Taiwanese civil society members who planned to attend the event in person. The group said it refused any conditions that would exclude participants from Taiwan. “We believe foreign interference is the reason RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia,” Access Now said in a statement. It added that informal messages from multiple sources suggested the government wanted organisers to limit certain topics and block some groups, including Taiwanese participants, from joining both physically and online in order to lift the postponement. Earlier, Zambian authorities said the conference was delayed to review its themes and ensure they matched the country’s “national values, policy priorities and broader public interest.” Zambia maintains close political and economic relations with China, particularly through Chinese investments in its mining sector. RightsCon focuses on human rights in the digital age, covering issues such as internet censorship, surveillance and cyberwarfare. More than 2,600 people were expected to attend in Zambia, with another 1,100 joining online from over 150 countries, organisers said. Last year’s summit was held in Taiwan. Taiwan’s Digital Affairs Minister Lin Yi-jing said the cancellation reflected China’s discomfort with values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Human Rights Watch called on Zambian authorities to clarify the reasons behind their decision. The development comes shortly after Taiwan accused Beijing of blocking a planned visit by its President Lai Ching-te to Eswatini on April 22. Taiwan said the trip was cancelled after Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, under Chinese pressure, denied overflight permission for Lai’s aircraft. China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the move, saying it was in line with the “one-China principle.” China considers self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any formal ties between Taipei and countries it maintains diplomatic relations with. Beijing holds significant influence across Africa. In a surprise update on Saturday, Lai said he had arrived in Eswatini after the earlier trip was called off, adding that Taiwan “will never be deterred by external pressures.”

In the heart of Urumqi,  Xinjiang Islamic Institute is carving out a new identity as a center of religious excellence, challenging prevailing Western media narratives through a blend of traditional Islamic scholarship and modern social integration. As Xinjiang continues its role as a pivotal hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the institute is being highlighted as a model for how religious education can coexist with state-led stability and economic development. The state-approved institute serves as a premier destination for students across the region seeking to become imams and religious scholars. The curriculum is rigorous, balancing core Islamic theology with the practical needs of a modern society.

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the inclusion of seven European Union (EU) entities on its export control list, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation obligations. Under the decision, export operators are barred from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, which include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning. The ministry also said overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to these entities, adding that any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately. Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks: Trump Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including in weapons development or delivery systems, according to the statement. A ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in accordance with China’s relevant laws and regulations. Beijing had also informed the European side through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement. The spokesperson said the move targets a small number of EU military-related entities allegedly involved in arms sales to Taiwan or related activities, adding that it would not affect normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. China reiterated that law-abiding European entities need not be concerned, and said it remains committed to safeguarding global industrial and supply chain stability and promoting regional peace.

Taiwan’s president has postponed a planned visit to Africa after three countries withdrew permission for his aircraft to use their airspace following reported pressure from China, his office said Tuesday. President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26. However, authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled the overflight permits along his route at short notice. A presidential spokesperson in Taipei said the decision came after “strong pressure” from Beijing, including alleged economic coercion. He accused China of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining regional stability. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, responded by welcoming the move, saying it supports the “one-China principle” and is consistent with international law. Beijing regularly urges countries with which it has diplomatic ties to avoid official relations with Taipei. In recent years, it has stepped up efforts to reduce Taiwan’s remaining allies through aid and investment offers. Taiwan now has formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, mostly small nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Eswatini, however, said it regretted that President Lai could not make the visit but stressed that its ties with Taiwan remain unchanged. The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar did not immediately comment on the issue. China’s diplomatic push has already led several countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Nauru, to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years. The last Taiwanese presidential visit to Eswatini took place in 2023.

China’s traditional Hanfu clothing is no longer limited to people, as designers are now creating outfits for robots, dolls and even pets, reflecting a growing interest in blending culture with modern lifestyles. At a recent fashion show in Caoxian County in eastern Shandong Province, models appeared with dolls dressed in matching Hanfu, while humanoid robots also wore traditional outfits, drawing strong attention from visitors. The event highlighted how Caoxian, one of China’s main Hanfu production centres, is shifting from mass manufacturing to more creative and specialised products. Local companies that once focused on large-scale production are now exploring niche markets and original designs. Their new products include Hanfu for robots, collectible dolls and pets, along with designs suited for everyday use. Hu Chunqing, general manager of Chenfei Clothing in Caoxian, said his company started making Hanfu for robots last winter. With China’s robotics industry growing rapidly, he said combining traditional clothing with machines offers both a way to promote culture and a new area for innovation. Within just over a month, his team developed more than 20 Hanfu designs for different robot models, including styles inspired by martial arts and various historical dynasties. Hu noted that making clothes for robots is more complex than for humans, as designers must consider body structure, joints and materials that allow easy movement and heat control. He believes robot Hanfu could be used beyond performances, with service robots in sectors like healthcare and public safety also wearing them to add a cultural touch. The trend has also expanded into smaller products. Designer Yao Chixing, founder of Luoruyan, has introduced Hanfu for dolls, targeting young consumers who enjoy customising collectible toys. She said making miniature Hanfu is even more challenging than regular designs, as all production steps are still required despite the smaller size. Yao sees doll Hanfu as a growing market, combining modern toy culture with traditional fashion and reflecting cultural identity among young people. Her brand has also introduced creative ideas, including scented Hanfu using floral fragrances and lighter, practical designs suitable for daily wear.   Meanwhile, Hanfu-inspired clothing for pets is gaining popularity in Caoxian. Local company TAORAE now produces pet outfits based on traditional Hanfu styles, accounting for about 20 percent of its product range. Founder Cheng Zhanying said rising pet ownership and demand for emotional connection have driven interest in pet clothing, while Hanfu design has provided a unique niche. He added that pet outfits must prioritise comfort and flexibility, leading the company to introduce adjustable features based on customer feedback. Another entrepreneur, Lan Shouku, has also entered the sector, launching a business focused on pet products, including Hanfu-style clothing. His company’s red festive outfits became popular during the 2026 Spring Festival, when many people dressed in Hanfu and chose similar styles for their pets. Lan said his team has already developed more than 30 new pet Hanfu designs this year. Caoxian’s Hanfu industry began nearly 20 years ago with small-scale costume production. With the rise of e-commerce, local businesses quickly expanded and found strong demand. Today, the county has over 2,800 Hanfu-related businesses employing nearly 100,000 people. In 2025, total sales exceeded 13 billion yuan, with a complete supply chain covering design, production and finishing. The county now produces nearly half of China’s Hanfu garments. However, growing competition has pushed companies to focus more on innovation, branding and specialised products. At the recent event, Luoruyan launched a Hanfu collection linked to a popular historical TV series, marking a new step in brand collaboration. An industrial base for intelligent robot apparel was also launched, aiming to combine traditional Hanfu with modern technology. Xie Fangming of the China Fashion Association said Caoxian has developed into the country’s leading hub for original Hanfu production, with strong industrial capacity. He added that further support will be provided in design talent, copyright protection and branding to help the sector grow into a creative centre. Hanfu, which dates back to the Han Dynasty, is known for its detailed designs and cultural significance. Industry insiders say expanding Hanfu to robots, dolls and pets is a way to promote traditional culture across new areas through innovation.  

The visiting delegation of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) participated in the 6th Guangzhou Sourcing Fair on Wednesday, seeking to expand trade and investment linkages between Bangladesh and China. The delegation, led by DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, held B2B matchmaking sessions with around 150 Chinese supplier companies representing sectors, including hardware and tools, automobiles, motorcycles and spare parts, home appliances, and building and construction materials. Speaking at a bilateral discussion on supply chain issues held on the sidelines of the fair, Razeev highlighted the depth of the bilateral relationship, noting that Bangladesh and China share a long-standing multidimensional partnership spanning trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and human resource development. He said total bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 18.89 billion in FY2025, with Bangladesh's imports from China amounting to USD 18.20 billion against exports of USD 694.49 million, pointing to a significant trade imbalance that both sides acknowledged needs to be addressed. Razeev also extended an invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh, citing textiles and textile products, machinery, chemicals, metals, plastics, minerals, and agro-based products as priority sectors. Nicole Fan, Director of Poly Jinhan Exhibition (Poly Events), which organises the fair, said the platform will serve as an important bridge between entrepreneurs of the two countries. She expressed optimism that greater Bangladeshi participation in future editions of the fair will open new avenues of collaboration with China's vast supplier network. The Guangzhou Sourcing Fair, now in its sixth edition, has emerged as a key platform for connecting South and Southeast Asian buyers with Chinese manufacturers and exporters across a wide range of industrial and consumer goods sectors. The 22-member DCCI delegation went to on Wednesday on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening Bangladesh-China economic engagement and expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

China’s economy picked up pace in the first quarter of the year, growing 5% compared to the same period last year, as it largely withstood the early effects of the Iran war, according to official data released . The January–March figures, which cover the period when the conflict began, came in stronger than economists had predicted and improved from the 4.5% growth recorded in the previous October–December quarter. On a quarterly basis, the economy expanded by 1.3% in the first three months, marking its fastest growth rate in a year. Experts say China, the world’s second-largest economy, is likely to manage the short-term impact of the war, now in its seventh week. However, rising energy prices driven by the conflict are adding to inflation pressures and weighing on global growth. Over time, weaker global demand could affect Chinese exports. The International Monetary Fund recently lowered its 2026 growth forecast for China to 4.4%, reflecting broader global economic concerns linked to the conflict. Chinese authorities had earlier set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, the lowest since 1991. “China can likely weather short term disruptions, but a prolonged war and sustained high energy prices could begin to slow growth in the second half of the year,” said Lynn Song. Separate data released showed China’s industrial output rose 5.7% in March from a year earlier, beating expectations as global demand for electronics, vehicles, semiconductors and robotics remained strong. However, retail sales increased by just 1.7%, falling short of forecasts and slowing from 2.8% growth in the first two months of the year, highlighting weak domestic consumer demand. China’s prolonged real estate downturn has continued to hurt consumer and investor confidence. Still, the country achieved around 5% growth last year, supported by strong exports that pushed its trade surplus to nearly $1.2 trillion, despite higher tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Economists say exports will remain a key driver of China’s economy this year, but heavy reliance on them could pose risks. “The lack of a quick resolution to the Iran war is likely to slow global growth, reducing other countries’ capacity to import Chinese goods,” said Eswar Prasad. He added that as countries focus on protecting their own economies from the impact of the conflict, demand for Chinese imports is likely to weaken. China reported earlier this week that exports grew 2.5% in March compared to a year earlier, a noticeable slowdown from the previous two months, partly due to seasonal factors. While economists believe China could still meet its annual growth target through policy support, concerns remain. Increased public investment may help sustain overall growth, but without stronger consumer demand, it could deepen deflation risks and further increase dependence on exports.

A new social media trend dubbed “becoming Chinese” is gaining global attention, with young people increasingly embracing elements of Chinese lifestyle and culture. In recent months, many users in their 20s have been posting videos showing how they are adopting habits seen as typically Chinese. These include drinking hot water with goji berries, eating dumplings, wearing slippers indoors, or visiting China and praising its modern cities. The trend, often referred to as “Chinamaxxing,” has attracted millions of views online. China has long tried to boost its global influence through cultural diplomacy, but this viral trend appears to be achieving what official efforts could not. Even Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng recently mentioned the phenomenon while promoting a visa-free transit policy and encouraging Americans to visit China. The trend reflects a broader rise in the global popularity of Chinese culture, products and everyday practices. Experts say this growing appeal shows how China is gaining “soft power” — influence through culture and lifestyle rather than politics or military strength. Shaoyu Yuan, a professor at New York University, said Chinese culture is becoming more familiar and widely accepted worldwide through entertainment, consumer products and daily habits. China’s influence is supported by its strong position in industries such as manufacturing, social media and consumer goods. Its tech platforms, including the algorithms behind TikTok, and competitive local brands are helping spread Chinese culture globally. However, the trend has also sparked debate, particularly among Chinese communities in the West. Some say the sudden popularity of Chinese culture does not erase past discrimination. Elise Zeng, a Chinese American from New York, said many people still remember facing racism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when Asians were targeted over the virus. She said such experiences cannot be overlooked simply because Chinese culture is now considered trendy. Others see the trend more positively. Sherry Zhu, a social media user whose videos helped popularize the meme, said cultural exchange can help reduce misunderstandings and build greater appreciation over time. The growing interest in Chinese culture is also linked to the success of its entertainment and consumer industries. Products like Labubu dolls, music by Chinese artists and major releases such as the animated film “Ne Zha 2” and the video game “Black Myth: Wukong” have gained international popularity. Digital tools like Chinese map apps are also attracting attention for their advanced features, further boosting the country’s cultural reach. While China’s government has long promoted its global image through initiatives like the Belt and Road project and Confucius Institutes, these efforts have faced criticism in some countries. Experts say cultural influence is more effective when it spreads naturally rather than through official promotion. “Cultural influence travels further when people choose it themselves,” Yuan said.