Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today clarified that China is not participating in the “so-called humanitarian corridor” related to Rakhine State, emphasizing China’s commitment to respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ambassador stated this while responding to a query during a country lecture organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in Dhaka. He remarked that the humanitarian corridor is an initiative by United Nations agencies aimed at providing aid to those affected by the conflict in Rakhine State, and China is not involved in this matter.
The ambassador reiterated China’s policy of non-interference and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution between Bangladesh and Myanmar regarding the Rohingya issue, encouraging dialogue to advance the repatriation process.
Regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), Ambassador Yao confirmed China’s willingness to support the project. He referred to a joint media statement from a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, which welcomed Chinese companies’ participation.
Ambassador Yao stated that China is prepared to assist but emphasized that it is Bangladesh’s decision to proceed with the project. He mentioned that the implementation framework, whether bilateral, trilateral, or through an international consortium, is for Bangladesh to decide, and China will respect Bangladesh’s choice.
In his country lecture titled “Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height,” the ambassador highlighted China’s dedication to a multi-polar world where sovereign equality is respected. He emphasized that every nation deserves respect for its sovereignty and dignity and that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of others.
He noted that China and Bangladesh have always upheld mutual respect and that Bangladesh must be free from external interference. Ambassador Yao affirmed China’s consistent support for Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, as well as its pursuit of a modernization path suited to its conditions.
He also acknowledged Bangladesh’s adherence to the one-China policy and its opposition to “Taiwan independence.” The ambassador observed that the China-Bangladesh relationship has endured international challenges and political changes in Bangladesh, gaining strong momentum over time.
Ambassador Yao noted that the foundation of Dhaka-Beijing ties lies in equality and mutual respect, which will continue to guide future relations. He announced that Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao is set to lead the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to Bangladesh later this month, marking a significant step in enhancing economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The visit will feature a trade and investment exchange event jointly hosted by both nations, aiming to foster cooperation among hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises. Additionally, the 15th meeting of the Bangladesh-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission will outline concrete steps to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The BIISS event was chaired by BIISS Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, with BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivering the welcome address. Professor Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, also presented at the event.