Speech by Ambassador Yao Wen at the Country Lecture on Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height
2025-05-09 15:16

His Excellency Mr.Md.Jashim Uddin, Honorable ForeignSecretary,

Distinguished Major General Iftekhar Anis, DG of BIISS,

Distinguished Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS,

Distinguished Professor Imtiaz Ahmed,

Dear guests and friends from the media,

Good morning! It is both a privilege and a profound honor for me to be invited to the lecture as the guest speaker. Today’s lecture provides us with a platform to reflect on the five decades of friendship between our two countries and our shared achievements. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to chart an even brighter future for our bilateral relations.

To start with, I'd like to thank BIISS for hosting this event, and you allall ofyoufor your continued care andsupport for the China-Bangladesh relationship.

On 4 October, 1975, China and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations. Since that historic day, our bilateral ties have flourished across all dimensions - from political and economic cooperation to military exchanges and cultural connections.

The mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between our nations have deepened and elevated this relationship to what it is today - a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This remarkable journey stands as a testament to our shared commitment and mutual trust.

For today’s lecture, I'd like to use three keywords to define the development process of China-Bangladesh diplomaticnature of ourbilateral relations over the past half century.

First, thisrelationshipisequality-based. President Xi Jinping pointed out that "All countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, are equal members of the international community. They have the right to equally participate in regional and international affairs." China champions a multi-polar world where sovereign equality is paramount. Every nation, regardless of size, strength or wealth, deserves full respect for its sovereignty and dignity. No country shall interfere in others' internal affairs, and all states have the fundamental right to independently choose their social systems and paths of development.

The essence of China-Bangladesh relationship is equality. China regards Bangladesh as anequal andfriendly neighbor as well as an important partner in the region, and attaches great importance to developing relations with Bangladesh.

China and Bangladesh have always respected each other.  As an independent sovereign state, Bangladesh must be free from external interference. The Bangladeshi people have the right to determine their own path of development. China has consistently and firmly supported Bangladesh in upholding its independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, as well as in pursuing a modernization path suited to its national conditions.

In turn, Bangladesh has steadfastly upheld the one-China principle, rejected the so-called “Taiwan independence,” and adhered to the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs. It has also resolutely defended the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and supported China’s positions on questions of its core interests, including the Taiwan question, Xizang-related question, human rights, and the South China Sea.

China-Bangladesh relations have withstood the test of international turmoil and evolving political situations in Bangladesh, and has since gained strong momentum. The secret ingredient is equality and mutual respect. These principles will continue to be enshrined in our future relations.

Second, this relationshipisdevelopment-driven. Looking back, the past fifty years is a glorious chapter on joint development, where we have together delivered successful Belt and Road cooperation, and exemplary win-win partnership between Global South countries.

Bangladesh is a country along the ancient Silk Road and an important partner for the Belt and Road cooperation. It is the first South Asian country to join the Belt and Road Initiative. And this resolute move has injected strong impetus into its economic growth, greatlysubstantially improved the infrastructure, and has made remarkablegreat contributions to the well-being of Bangladeshi people.

Over the years, the Chinese enterprises have created 550,000 job opportunities for Bangladesh, built 8 railways, 12 roads, 21 bridges, 31 power stations. Many Bangladeshi friends have told me that "China is the only country that is trustworthy and truly helps Bangladesh's development" and "Bangladesh's development cannot be separated from China."

China’s support for Bangladesh’s development is a genuine and straightforward commitment. It will always remain unchanged regardless of shifting circumstances.

China is the largest investor in Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government. China has granted zero tariff treatment to 100% of Bangladeshi taxable items exported to China and promised to extend this preferential policy to 2028, two years after the graduation from the LDC status. Since last August,over 15 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh, with a total intended investment of around 400 million USD. More than 30 companies have signed letters of investment intent with the Chittagong Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, with a total investment of more than 1 billion USD.

We are also accelerating the exportation of Bangladeshi mangoes to China. By early June this year, the first batch of fresh mangoes will be on the Chinese market. On top of that, procedures for importing Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava are also ongoing. We hope that Bangladesh can soon open up Hilsa exports to China—after all, Chinese foodies can’t wait to enjoy this delicious fish on their dining tables.

Dear friends, just picture this: As more of Bangladesh’s quality agri-products make their way to China, and as more Chinese companies bring investment and innovation to this vibrant land, we’ll absolutely see something incredible happen! Bangladesh’s industries will grow stronger, supply chains will become more robust, and—most importantly—people’s lives will be better with new opportunities and greater prosperity. This is what we could do together, for our shared future!

Furthermore, the Chinese Minister of Commerce H.E. Wang Wentao will lead more than 100 Chinese investors to visit Bangladesh at the end of this month. During the visit, the two sides will co-host a trade and investment exchange event, where hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises will engage and explore more cooperation opportunities. Meanwhile, the 15th Meeting of the China-Bangladesh Joint Economic and Trade Commission will be held to agree on concrete measures to further our economic and trade cooperation. Bangladeshi friends told us that this is the largest-ever business delegation in Bangladesh. We are confident that this visit will send a strong signal of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit, and will elevate China-Bangladesh economic and trade relations to a new level.

Third, this relationship is People-centered. It is our firm belief that the enduring friendship between our two peoples underpins and energizes our bilateral relations. The history of China-Bangladesh relations is also a history of friendly exchanges between our two peoples from ancient times.

Master Xuanzang of China journeyed westward in search of Buddhist scriptures, while Master Atisha of Bangladesh traveled to Xizang to share the teachings of Buddhism — both leaving lasting imprints on the spiritual and cultural fabric of our peoples.

Chinese porcelain once made its way across oceans through the port of Chittagong, carrying with it not just goods, but stories and aesthetics. And the beauteous poetry of Tagore found deep resonance among Chinese intellectuals...

These exchanges, in spirit and substance, have continuously enriched our civilizations.

Over the past several years, an increasing number of Bangladeshi people have come to China for education, to conduct business, and build new lives. Likewise, the number of Chinese enterprises and people in Bangladesh have continued to rise.

Now, there are 68 flights operating weekly, which transport more than 13,000 passengers, linking our two countries more closely together. And it’s good news to hear that the air route from Kunming to Chittagong is also set to open soon.

On the education front, China has been expanding its scholarship programs for Bangladeshi students on a yearly basis. About 15,000 Bangladeshi students have received higher education in China.

On 14 April this year, one day that I’ll never forget, China and Bangladesh jointly held the largest drone show in the Bangladeshi history. A total of 2,500 drones captured moments of the revolutionary and democratic process of Bangladesh, and showcased the true friendship and mutual support between China and Bangladesh.

Next week, the Bengali version of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" (Volume 1) will be launched and a "China Book Corner" will be unveiled.

That’s not everything yet. To celebrate the China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a series of cultural activities will be organized throughout the year, which we are confident will provide renewed impetus to our bilateral relations.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. The Chinese government and people can relate the hardships facing the Bangladeshi people. During the pandemic, the Chinese medical team joined hands with Bangladesh to fight against COVID-19 and carried out vaccine cooperation. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we have overcome this daunting challenge. When a severe outbreak of dengue fever hit Bangladesh, China responded immediately to provide emergency medical supplies. When a once-in-decades flood swept through Bangladesh last August, my Embassy quickly mobilized relief and resources to support communities on the front line. The Chinese government also delivered 1.5 million US dollars worth of relief supplies and equipment to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. These efforts have helped Bangladesh effectively manage and mitigate disaster risks and build resilience. I am also happy to announce that a consignment of advanced automated rehabilitation equipment, valued at 1.5 million US dollars, has already arrived in Bangladesh. As I am speaking, Chinese experts are on-site installing the equipment and will provide technical training to local staff. We expect the advanced equipment will be put into use as early as possible to bring health and well-being to more patients.

Dear friends,

This March, Chief Adviser paid a successful visit to Beijing which is beyond expectations. A Joint Press Release was announced, and more than 10 practical cooperation outcomes were reached. This is the first bilateral visit of Hon'ble Chief Adviser since he took office. It is the first meeting between the leaders of China and Bangladesh since the interim government of Bangladesh was formed. It is also the overarching event on the bilateral political agenda this year, marking a significant milestone. The two leaders have charted a new blueprint to further our relations. Now, it’s time to translate the important consensus reached by the two leaders into practice and push forward the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level.

We need to build a Community with a Shared Future for China and Bangladesh. As the most trustworthy friend and a reliable development partner, China will continue to stand by the interim government, support Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and help the Bangladeshi people to build a better and more prosperous new Bangladesh. Both of our countries need to coordinate closely to ride on opportunities, address potential challenges, and uphold world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

We need to foster high-quality economic development. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to push ahead with major initiatives and projects, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Mongla Port and Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong, as well as the Teesta River project. China are encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Bangladesh, expanding cooperation in areas ranging from digital economy to green economy,from marine economy to infrastructure and water conservancy. China has responded favorably to Chief Advisor's proposal on industrial relocation, to create a deeper industrial supply chains integration,and achieve the modernization of both nations.

We need to forge closer people-to-people ties. Education and healthcare, being vital to national development and public well-being, are key areas of cooperation between China and Bangladesh. In order to support Bangladesh's education sector, China will offer more scholarships for Bangladeshi students, and launch more youth exchange programs. To further advance healthcare collaboration, my Embassy has introduced special visa facilitation measures for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in China. Additionally, China will implement more initiatives to deepen mutual understanding and friendly exchanges between our peoples, thereby allowing China-Bangladesh friendship to shine with even greater brilliance.

We need to defend international fairness and justice. China will continue to pursue peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, and build a peaceful, safe, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable community with a shared future with neighboring countries. China's door will never close but will open even wider. China stands ready to support Bangladesh on matters including cooperation in South Asia, regional connectivity, the Rohingya issue, and to coordinate positions in the United Nations and other multilateral forums to release the positive effects of China-Bangladesh friendship to the region and the world, maintain peace and stability in South Asia, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Dear friends,

The world is far from peaceful, with a number of consequential events taking place at this moment. The new administration of the United States has taken a host of unreasonable and unilateral tariff measures, which have disrupted bilateral economic and trade ties and the international economic and trade order, posing serious challenges to the recovery of global economy. In order to defend its legitimate rights and interests, China has taken resolute countermeasures. Recently, the U.S. side has, through multiple channels, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues. After a careful assessment of the U.S. messages, China has decided to engage with the U.S. side, taking into account global expectations, national interests, and appeals from American industries and consumers. Vice Premier He Lifeng, as the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12.

We note that there are also ongoing negotiations between the United States and other economies, and want to point out that compromise does not earn respect, and only by holding firm to principles and fairness and justice can countries safeguard their interests. China stands ready to work with Bangladesh and all parties to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance coordination, and jointly resist unilateral protectionism and hegemonic bullying practices, in order to uphold free trade and multilateralism and promote an inclusive economic globalization.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate. India launched military strikes on targets in Pakistan on the early morning of May 7. China finds that regrettable and is concerned about the ongoing situation. India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors. They’re both China’s neighbors as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism and calls for an impartial investigation at an early date. We urge both sides to act in the interest of peace and stability, stay calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.

The world today is full of turmoil, instability and uncertainty. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will stand firm on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, serving as the most stable, certain, and peaceful force in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Looking back, the ancient Silk Road inextricably linked our two countries. Moving forward, we will walk side by side on the path toward our respective national modernization.

Guided by the consensus reached by our two leaders, China is ready to work with Bangladesh to start anew from the 50th anniversary, to renew our traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, promote people-to-people bonds, and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Let’s work together to lift the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and embark on the next golden 50 years of China-Bangladesh relations.


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