On May 6, 2023, H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, attended the Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors’ Lectures Series upon invitation, and delivered a keynote speech entitled From a Long Way We Came, To a Brighter Future We will Go. Full text of the speech is as follows:
Dear Mr. Enayetullah Khan, the Hon’ble Chairman of Cosmos Foundation,
Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the Hon’ble President of Cosmos Foundation,
Distinguished speakers and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning!
First of all, I’d like to thank the Cosmos Foundation for organizing this event. Mr. Khan is a figure with reputation in Bangladesh. He not only creates the business miracle of Cosmos Group, but also cares about the development of the country with a sincere heart. Dr. Chowdhury is a highly respected scholar with significant merits, and is well received in the international relations academia. I’m very delighted to have this dialogue with you and the fellow speakers today to chart the way forward for the China-Bangladesh relations.
Dear friends,
As a matter of philosophy, there are three ultimate questions for human-beings. Who am I? Where did I come from? And where am I going? The theme of the event today is "Prognosis for Future". Before getting into this core issue, I’d like to talk about the key elements that define China-Bangladesh relations, and to retrospect into its history, which would inspire our discussion on the future.
First, China and Bangladesh both have a long history and splendid culture. We have been good neighbors and friends since ancient times. “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China,” said the Prophet Mohammed. For Bangladesh, China is not far away. Historically, there have been frequent exchanges between China and the land where Bangladesh is located today. Throughout the southern and sea routes of the Silk Road, there are many touching stories that have been passed on for millennium. Sixteen centuries ago, the eminent Chinese monk Faxian traveled through this part of the world to ancient India to acquire the Buddhist texts. Since then, the famous monk Xuanzang and the great navigator Zheng He also left their foot prints on this land. Master Atisha made a incomparable contribution to the spread of Buddhism in China, especially in the region of Tibet. All we read from the history are friendly exchanges between the two peoples, with no clue of any single mention of hostility or conflict. Thanks to our ancestors, there is no historical issue or political burden left to bother us nowadays.
Second, China and Bangladesh have comparable national conditions. In contemporary histories, we have both suffered from foreign invasions and colonial plundering. Our two peoples rebuild our countries from scratch, and, after struggles of generations, eventually get back on the right track of dignity and development. That is why we both hold our national sovereignty and political independence so dear. China and Bangladesh are developing countries with large populations. The two peoples have a natural sense of closeness. We share similar worldviews and core values. At present, our countries are both in a critical period of development and revitalization. China has embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects, and Bangladesh is also graduating from the LDCs. In the face of various external risks and challenges, we need to move forward bravely and work together, so as to ensure the steady and long-term development of our respective countries.
Third, China and Bangladesh are like-minded in governance. We are both “people's republic” that write socialism into our respective constitutions as a fundamental. I was told by many that, after witnessing the significant changes made by the New China, Bangabandhu deeply planted socialism in his own mind and his successor’s. Domestically, we advocate the people-centered development that mobilizes the initiative of the people, relies on their strength, and ensures that all share the benefits. In foreign relations, China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, which coincides with the famous “friendship to all, malice towards none” dictum of Bangabandhu.
Fourth, China and Bangladesh have shared national dreams. “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion,” as a widespread saying goes. Both China and Bangladesh have made stunning achievements in history. Today, China is committed to building a modern socialist country in all respects by the mid of this century, thereby realizing the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation. Bangladesh is also working hard to implement the “Vision 2041” perspective plan and to realize the “Sonar Bangla” dream. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said many times that the national dreams of China and Bangladesh well connect with each other. This is the profound resonance between two ancient civilizations.
Dear friends,
The close historical relations, comparable national conditions, like minds in governance and well-connected national dreams are the four cornerstones that guarantee the stability of the mega-structure of China-Bangladesh relations. Here are also four pillars that determine its height.
First, the China-Bangladesh friendship was forged by the older generations of our country leaders, and deeply rooted in history and social consensus. During the 1950s and 60s, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited Dhaka twice, and Bangabandhu also visited China twice. Together they planted the tree of friendship between our two peoples. Maulana Bhashani, comrade and mentor of Bangabandhu, once wrote in his book that “[t]oday, China is the leader of the liberation struggle of the oppressed peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America. China is the emancipation shrine of the just risen people of these three continents, and I went to visit that shrine. My pilgrimage did not fail.” This is a perfect demonstration of the deep and sincere affections between our two peoples. Since the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations 48 years ago, the two sides have always trusted, respected, supported and helped each other, setting an example of friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries.
Second, the incumbent leaders have provided strong political guidance for China-Bangladesh relations. In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Bangladesh and, together with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, uplifted our bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation. Three years later, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in turn, made a landmark visit to China. Even during the pandemic when international travels were interrupted, the leaders of our two countries maintained close contact through video speeches and letters to each other. President Xi and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended their sincerest greetings and congratulations to each other on the occasions of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu, and the founding centenary of the Communist Party of China. When the Hon’ble President Muhammad Shahabuddin Chuppu assumed office, President Xi promptly sent a congratulatory message to him. The close exchanges between the leaders have set the tone for the development of friendly relations between the two countries.
Third, China-Bangladesh cooperation truly benefits the two peoples. Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia to join the Belt and Road Initiative. By far, BRI has become a household brand in Bangladesh. Many people can even pronounce it in Mandarin. The Chinese constructors help build one landmark after another. The “Made in China” label can be found in every bazar. The Chinese high-tech kits lead the fashion of digital development in Bangladesh. More and more young people go to study in Chinese universities and pursue their career in Chinese companies. An increasing number of Chinese entrepreneurs come and invest in Bangladesh. In these interactions, people of the two countries have established a profound friendship. Many of them fall in love and get married. China-Bangladesh cooperation brings not only tangible material benefits, but also a close emotional connection.
Fourth, China and Bangladesh have always firmly supported each other on issues of core interests. We both pursue an independent diplomacy for peace. We support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity. We coordinate and cooperate in regional and international affairs, and jointly oppose external interference. We have never accused each other on issues such as democracy and human rights. China appreciates Bangladesh's long-term and firm support for the one-China principle. As a responsible major country and a friendly neighbor of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, China has been unswervingly mediating between the two countries to promote the repatriation of the Rohingyas. A local friend once told me sincerely that many people provide lip-services, but only China is actually doing practical things to proceed with the repatriation.
Dear friends,
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people are sparing no effort to realize the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation. On the occasion of the founding centenary of the CPC, China declared to have successfully achieved its first centennial goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Now we have embarked on a new journey towards the second centennial goal of building an all-round modern socialist country. It is at the core of the Chinese dream to make the Chinese country strong and prosperous, the Chinese nation rejuvenated, and the Chinese people happy and fulfilled. China has successfully explored a modernization path with Chinese characteristics, breaking the myth of “modernization equals to Westernization”. It creates a new form of human civilization, and inspires countries all over the world, especially developing countries.
As a major country always bearing in mind the future and destiny of mankind, China, while pursuing its own modernization, also assumes the responsibility to contribute to the world. A decade ago, President Xi put forward the vision of building a human community with shared future. Over the past ten years, the concept has been translated into action, and the vision is being realized step by step. Now it stands as a pillar to sustain world peace and stability, and injects strong impetus into promoting global development. The 20th National Congress of the CPC clearly listed the promotion of building a human community with shared future as one of the key features of the Chinese modernization. No matter what stage of development it reaches, China will never seek hegemony, engage in expansionism, or circle out sphere of influence. Instead, China is committed to taking the road of peaceful development. China will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of international order, and a promoter for human progress. The Chinese people are willing to join hands with the people of the world to create a better future for mankind.
Dear friends,
The Chinese people cherish peace. We do not covet the rights and interests of other countries. In the meantime, no one should ever undermine China's stability and security. We will never trade off our core interests. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The reunification of the motherland is a common aspiration of Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan strait. The one-China principle is a long-standing international consensus, which serves as the political foundation for China's relations with other countries. Any action to challenge the one-China principle or to counter China's reunification process will be resolutely frustrated. Any attempt to support the so-called “Taiwan independence” separatists is against the trend of history and will definitely end in failure. The Chinese people wants to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan strait more than anyone else does. In need to safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, however, we would also reserve the right to resort to all necessary means.
Dear friends,
The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and the pendulum of prosperity is pivoting to the East. Both China and Bangladesh are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. What is the future of China-Bangladesh relations? This is a question we must answer. I’d like to share some of my own sights.
First, China and Bangladesh should continue to firmly support each other in following a development path that suits our respective national conditions. The modernization of both China and Bangladesh involves a huge population. We should always bear realities in mind as we address issues, make decisions, and take action. We should adhere to the path of peaceful development, and refuse to tread the old path of war, colonization, and plunder taken by some countries. Standing on our own feet, both China and Bangladesh have made a miracle of rapid socio-economic development, thus attracted attention of the whole world. China respects Bangladesh's choice of its own development path, and is willing to strengthen strategic communication and mutual learning with Bangladesh on this basis. China and Bangladesh should continue to support each other on issues of core interests, and say "no" to external interference with one voice.
Second, China and Bangladesh should deepen the Strategic Partnership for Cooperation and explore new growth points. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launching of the BRI. 8 mega projects in Bangladesh, such as the Padma Bridge Railway Link Project, will be completed and put into use. The construction of the Rajshahi Surface Water Treatment Plant Project will also kick off. While implementing the outcomes of the high-level visits in 2016 and 2019 and deepening cooperation under the BRI, China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). In particular, we are willing to promote upgrading of industries and digitalization process in Bangladesh, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of “Made in Bangladesh”. The Chinese side has noticed the “Indo-Pacific Outlook of Bangladesh” released recently, and believes that many of its ideas are similar to those of China. China supports Bangladesh in playing a more active and more significant role in regional and international affairs while preserving its foreign policy of Independence.
Third, China and Bangladesh should make our relations a model of friendship among developing countries, thus make our contribution to the building of a human community with shared future. We need to deepen friendship, mutual trust and convergence of interests, set a model of good-neighbors and friends, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. We should advocate an open global economy and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. We should oppose protectionism, the erection of “fences and barriers,” decoupling, and unilateral sanctions. We must uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We should defend the true multilateralism, promote greater democracy in international relations, and work together to make global governance fairer and more equitable.
Dear friends,
Today, we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors and take on the responsibility of carrying forward the China-Bangladesh friendship. In two years, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. China is willing to take this opportunity to work with Bangladeshi friends from all walks of life to push our bilateral relations to a new level and usher in a new era of friendly cooperation.
Thank you!