Diplomatic Correspondent :
The recent high-level meeting between Bangladesh and China is being regarded as a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations in the coming days, with both nations underscoring their longstanding friendship and cooperation.
International experts have described the evolving Dhaka-Beijing partnership as “fruitful and pragmatic,” highlighting the mutual benefits in diverse areas.
“China’s policy of non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs is a positive aspect. It fosters deeper, trust-based relations between the two countries, which have steadily developed over decades,” Dr Amena Mohsin, an international relations expert, told The New Nation on Wednesday.
She further noted, “Bangladesh should enhance its engagement with China, aligning its efforts with national interests and development goals. China has placed significant emphasis on infrastructure development in Bangladesh.”
In response to a question about whether the strengthened bilateral ties could be viewed negatively by the new US administration, she stated, “I don’t think so. Bangladesh has always maintained a balanced relationship with both the US and China.
This approach is likely to continue as Bangladesh needs strong ties with both Washington and Beijing. The government is actively working in that direction.”
During the ongoing visit of Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The talks, held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, covered a wide range of topics, including development cooperation, trade, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides emphasised their shared commitment to fostering collaboration in areas of mutual interest to achieve shared prosperity.
In a key development, Adviser Hossain requested China to reduce the interest rate on loans from 2-3 per cent to 1 per cent, waive the commitment fee, and extend the repayment period from 20 to 30 years for both the Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) and Government Concessional Loan (GCL).
Praising Bangladesh’s strong track record in loan repayment, Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed in principle to extend the loan repayment period and assured that the request for a reduced interest rate would be considered. He also confirmed the continuation of duty-free, quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market for three years following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
To enhance people-to-people ties, China announced the designation of three to four hospitals in Kunming to provide medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients. This is especially significant given the current difficulties faced by Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in India due to visa delays following recent unrest.
The Chinese Foreign Minister welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to establish a specialised tertiary-level Chinese hospital in Dhaka as a goodwill gesture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Reaffirming continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both parties focused on advancing several Chinese-funded projects in Bangladesh, including the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, modernising Mongla Port, and expanding digital connectivity with improved 4G networks. These projects aim to bolster Bangladesh’s infrastructure and connectivity, contributing to its socio-economic development.
On the Rohingya crisis, both nations expressed a shared resolve to work collaboratively towards a durable solution. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to engaging with Myanmar to address the crisis and promote regional stability.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the “Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information Sharing of the Yaluzangbu-Jamuna River.” This initiative reflects both nations’ commitment to enhancing water resource management and fostering sustainable development in the region.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi encouraged Bangladesh to consider joining President Xi Jinping’s three global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). Adviser Hossain expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to examine these proposals further.
The discussions underscore the strategic importance of Bangladesh-China relations, with both nations committed to deepening ties across multiple sectors.
The agreements and assurances reached during this visit signify a strengthened partnership poised to deliver mutual benefits and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Dr Amena Mohsin emphasised that Chinese collaboration would be essential for Bangladesh’s development in the coming years.
