“China Has Always Been Confident of Bangladesh’s Development”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, which has gone from strength to strength reflecting on shared vision of development, cooperation and mutual respect. And now their relations have reached to a new height, in every respect— from trade and infrastructure to cultural and educational ties. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun, the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen reflects on the past achievements which have shaped this lasting friendship and shares his hopes for even deeper collaboration with Bangladesh in future. He reaffirms China’s unwavering support for Bangladesh and outlines a vision to further deepen cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to build a stronger Bangladesh-China relationship and to positively shape the future of the entire South Asian region. Here is excerpt of the interview:

Daily Sun: Bangladesh-China relationships have many facets, like political, cultural, economic, defence, trade - which facet you think is the most important?

Yao Wen: Last July, China and Bangladesh elevated the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The new positioning of ‘comprehensive’ is worthy of its name. It is both a historical inevitability and the call of the people. This covers not only the political and economic fields you have mentioned, but also all the other respects of the friendly exchanges between China and Bangladesh.

Each respect has its unique significance and role. Political mutual trust is the cornerstone of the friendship between China and Bangladesh, economic and trade exchanges connect the two countries with win-win cooperation, cultural exchanges show the accumulation of friendship for thousands of years, and defence cooperation is also of vital significance. These are like the ten fingers of a person, all of which are important and indispensable. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Bangladesh and “China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges”. China will work with Bangladesh, and continue to comprehensively promote our practical cooperation to a new level in various fields.

Daily Sun: How do you see the geostrategic importance of Bangladesh?

Yao Wen: China and Bangladesh enjoy a long-standing friendship, and the two peoples enjoy strong bonds. China's cooperation with Bangladesh is sincere and selfless, without any hidden geopolitical agenda. We have always adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, and always carry out cooperation based on Bangladesh's own needs under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South Cooperation, so as to advance China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

President Xi Jinping has pointed out that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, presenting both risks of division and confrontation as well as opportunities for unity and cooperation. At present, many countries in the region, including Bangladesh, are under pressure from external interference to take sides. The strategic environment in the region is at the risk of being reshaped by political factors. China firmly supports Bangladesh in upholding its independence and opposing external interference. Both countries will continue to uphold the principle of mutual respect and support each other in safeguarding their sovereignty and core interests. We will work together to insulate South Asia from geopolitical calculations and the trap of the law of the jungle, from being used as chess pieces in major-power rivalry, and from coercion by hegemony and bullying. Our future, and the future of our region, should be in our own hands.

Daily Sun: Can we expect that with Chinese influence, there can be stability in Myanmar? Particularly a functional relationship among the warring factions of Myanmar nationals?

Yao Wen: The Myanmar issue is by nature Myanmar’s internal affair. China and Myanmar are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners and a community with a shared future. China does not want to see conflict or turmoil in Myanmar that would cause suffering to its people. China upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, supports Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national unity, and backs Myanmar's efforts to achieve domestic stability and improve people's livelihoods. China also supports dialogue and consultation among all parties in Myanmar to handle differences properly and find a development path suited to the country's conditions. China also supports the positive efforts of regional countries to restore stability and cool down the situation in Myanmar.

China commends the Bangladeshi side for the humanitarianism it has demonstrated on the Rohingya issue and for the great sacrifices it has made over the years. China has always maintained that repatriation is the only way to resolve the Rohingya issue. To achieve this, China is committed to political mediation and encourages Bangladesh and Myanmar to strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, handle differences and broaden consensus. It is imperative that an end to the fighting in Rakhine State be realised as soon as possible. China stands ready to continue its efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Rakhine State and to create conditions for the repatriation of the first batch of displaced people.

Daily Sun: Do you have any update on the border dispute with India?

Yao Wen: Over a recent period of time, China and India have reached resolutions on issues concerning the border area following close communication through diplomatic and military channels. China will continue working with India for the sound implementation of these resolutions.

Last October, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a successful meeting in Kazan, Russia. The restart of China-India relations are in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, the expectations of Global South countries and the right direction of history. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of leaders, respect each other's core interests, enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication, handle differences properly with sincerity and integrity, and bring the bilateral relationship back on the track of stable and sound development at an early date. China and India, as two neighbouring major developing countries, have more common interests than differences, and we should view each other's development as an opportunity and work together to achieve common development and rejuvenation, which will help safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and contribute to global multipolarity.

Daily Sun: What is your assessment on the development potential of Bangladesh, in the long run?

Yao Wen: Since I assumed office more than two years ago, through my extensive interactions with various sectors in Bangladesh, I feel that an increasing number of Bangladeshi people sincerely believe that China is Bangladesh’s most trustworthy, reliable and true friend. Looking back at the 50-year history of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, China has carried out friendly cooperation with Bangladesh in major projects, infrastructure construction, and improving people's livelihoods, offering sincere assistance. Since the establishment of the Interim Government, 12 Chinese enterprises have invested 210 million USD in Bangladesh. China has committed itself to further opening up to Bangladesh, providing zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff items before Bangladesh graduates from the least developed country status, importing fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, and actively cooperating with Bangladesh in areas such as photovoltaics, agriculture and low-carbon technologies. This fully demonstrates that China has always been confident of Bangladesh's development.

Bangladesh has a population of 180 million resilient and hard-working people, with an average age of no more than 27 years, providing a significant demographic dividend. In the future, China will not reduce its investment in Bangladesh, but further deepen cooperation with Bangladesh in areas such as photovoltaics, water resources, poverty alleviation, and green and low-carbon development.

Daily Sun: Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to join the Belt and Road Initiative. What has the Belt and Road Initiative brought to Bangladesh? As we know, China has many partners within the Belt and Road Initiative framework，what role does China hope Bangladesh will play in this initiative?

Yao Wen: This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bangladesh's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the past decade, the BRI has infused vitality into Bangladesh's economic growth, provided a robust platform for advancing China-Bangladesh trade and investment cooperation, and significantly contributed to improving the livelihoods of the Bangladeshi people. It has evolved into a shared pathway of opportunity and prosperity for both countries.

On the one hand, the BRI has driven prosperity and development of Bangladesh. Currently, approximately 700 Chinese enterprises are operating in Bangladesh, generating 550,000 jobs. The Chinese companies have constructed 8 railways, 12 highways, 21 bridges and 31 power plants in Bangladesh. These mega projects have significantly enhanced Bangladesh's transportation network, boosted logistics efficiency, alleviated energy shortages and provided access to clean water. The projects have not only driven economic development but also improved the quality of life for millions of Bangladeshi citizens.

On the other hand, China and Bangladesh have achieved mutual benefits for both countries. China has been Bangladesh's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, its primary source of imports, the second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and the second-largest provider of bilateral aid. While Bangladesh offers a growing market for Chinese goods and businesses, it has also gained essential funding, goods, technology, and expertise to accelerate its socioeconomic development and industrial modernisation. China's role in Bangladesh's development remains indispensable.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh. China stands ready to further strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh under the BRI framework, supporting Bangladesh's aspirations to become a regional hub. Moreover, China envisions Bangladesh as a model partner in fields such as green energy and environmental protection technologies, advancing the sustainable development goals of the BRI. Through deepened collaboration with Bangladesh, China aims to strengthen economic ties across South Asia and neighbouring regions, jointly building a prosperous and interconnected regional economic network.

Daily Sun: China is an important development partner for Bangladesh, and we can see many mega projects throughout the country constructed by Chinese enterprises. Looking ahead, how can both countries ensure that Bangladesh's project development needs are met without overwhelming the country with excessive debt? What recommendations does China have to maintain a balance in this regard?

Yao Wen: As we have seen, numerous mega projects constructed by Chinese companies in Bangladesh have brought tangible benefits to the country. These projects align closely with Bangladesh's economic development goals and the improvement of its people's livelihoods. They are characterised by low costs, short construction time span and advanced technology. Notably, Chinese companies maintained their commitment to these projects even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors underline why Bangladesh has consistently chosen Chinese funding to support mega projects and Chinese companies for their implementation.

Looking ahead, China will encourage its implementing companies to further strengthen their cooperation with Bangladeshi project owners, ensuring the high-quality completion of on-going projects and maximising economic benefits. It is hoped that relevant Bangladeshi authorities will address key issues such as land acquisition, demolition and personnel visas in a timely and effective manner to facilitate smooth project implementation.

Additionally, the Bangladeshi side is encouraged to submit project proposals to China after thoroughly evaluating their feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Whether it is a landmark initiative or a ‘small and smart’ project, China stands ready to actively consider these proposals. Furthermore, China is also ready to provide technical support to enhance the feasibility studies of proposed projects, ensuring their long-term success.

Daily Sun: China has granted Bangladesh zero-tariff treatment on all taxable items for export to China. At the same time, we have noticed that Bangladesh faces a significant trade deficit with China. Moving forward, how can Bangladesh make the most of this policy to boost its exports to China? Do you have any recommendations for Bangladesh in this regard?

Yao Wen: China has consistently reiterated that it does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus. In fact, according to Chinese statistics, Bangladesh's trade deficit with China decreased by 15% in 2023 and further declined by 5% from January to September last year. Through my interactions with friends from various sectors in Bangladesh, I sense a growing understanding and more objective view of the trade deficit between the two countries. There is a broad recognition that the deficit is largely influenced by Bangladesh’s industrial structure.

The ready-made garments (RMG) sector, Bangladesh’s pillar industry, depends on China for over 60% of the raw materials. To maintain Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest RMG exporter necessitates continued imports from China.

China firmly adheres to its national policy of opening up to the world. On multiple occasions, China has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s export diversification strategy and its willingness to increase imports from Bangladesh. For example, China has granted zero-tariff treatment to 100% taxable items of Bangladesh, allowed the import of fresh Bangladeshi mangoes, and is actively working to grant access for guava and jackfruit. Additionally, Bangladesh has been regularly invited to participate in key international events such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, and the East Asia Expo.

At the same time, China and Bangladesh are collaborating to advance negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and optimise the Bilateral Investment Treaty. These initiatives aim to create new opportunities for expanding Bangladesh’s exports to China and enhancing bilateral trade relations.

Daily Sun: China has a rich history and profound cultural heritage, and there is significant cultural cooperation between China and Bangladesh. What initiatives will you take next to deepen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries?

Yao Wen: Bangladesh holds a significant place along the ancient Silk Road. There is a rich history of cultural exchanges stretching back thousands of years between China and Bangladesh. These historical connections laid a strong foundation for the enduring friendship between our two nations, fostering deep emotional and cultural bonds between our peoples.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the year of people-to-people exchanges. To celebrate this milestone, we will work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh and partners from various sectors to host a series of vibrant cultural events, including ‘Happy Chinese New Year’, ‘Nihao! China’, the Chinese Film Week, the Tea Culture Festival, and exhibitions of cultural relics. We will also host the China-Bangladesh Drama Festival, Art Gala, and Singing Competitions.

We are committed to supporting more Bangladeshi students and citizens in learning Chinese by introducing Chinese language courses in more universities. Additionally, we will invite more Bangladeshi artists, young students, and Chinese language enthusiasts to visit China, further strengthening cultural and educational ties. Efforts will also be made to facilitate tourism between our two nations, promote exchanges between healthcare and sports delegations, and ensure that more Chinese television programmes are broadcast on Bangladeshi TV networks.

Daily Sun: Many traders go to China for trading and business purposes. Is there any easier visa process for them?

Yao Wen: The China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has maintained strong momentum, with exchanges between the two countries becoming increasingly closer across various fields and levels, and with more frequent people-to-people interactions. To meet the growing demand for travel between China and Bangladesh, the Chinese Embassy has introduced a series of measures to facilitate Bangladeshi citizens traveling to China regarding visa application, such as temporarily reducing visa fees and exempting all applicants for single or double-entry short-term stay visas from fingerprint collection.

In 2024, the business visas issued by the Chinese Embassy nearly doubled than the previous year, demonstrating a growing number of Bangladeshi nationals traveling to China. For business personnel, we offer two convenience measures:

1. Applicants who provide guarantee letters or employment letters issued by Bangladeshi government ministries and departments can be exempted from submitting invitation letters from the Chinese government.

2. Those attending specific large-scale business events in China, such as the Canton Fair or China International Import Expo, can also be exempted from submitting invitation letters from the Chinese government.