Staff Reporter :
China expressed willingness to collaborate with India on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project (TRCMRP), according to the Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka. However, Ambassador Yao Wen emphasised that the final decision lies with Bangladesh.
“The Teesta River flows entirely within Bangladesh,” Ambassador Wen remarked during a DCAB talk at the Jatiya Press Club.
“It’s your river, and Bangladesh has complete authority over any Teesta River project. This choice should be respected by everyone.”
His comments come just ahead of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China on July 8th.
When questioned by reporters about China’s openness to joint implementation, Ambassador Wen replied, “China is prepared. But Bangladesh holds the reins.”
He also brushed aside any kind of tension between India and China over the Teesta project.
Asked about the potential treaties and agreements during Sheikh Hasina’s visit, he said that it was not possible on his part right now to talk about them.
The envoy, however, stated that the two countries would mainly focus on trade and economy, infrastructure, digital economy, education, and media cooperation.
“The visit has been decked with the priority of strategic development between the two countries.
China is the most reliable partner for Bangladesh. We have made plans for the southern development of Bangladesh. Details will be announced in time,” the ambassador said.
The meeting also shed light on the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar without any sign of ending, as Bangladesh has a major concern for Rohingya repatriation to their homeland in Rakhine State.
Asked about what China is doing in the context of Myanmar conflicts, he said, “Only China can end the war in Rakhine. All stakeholders, including ASEAN countries, have to work together. China always wants a good relationship between Bangladesh and its neighbour.”
The Ambassador also faced a question about Bangladesh eyeing loans from China. He said, “Bangladesh has proposed it for the first time. It is hoped that there will be a breakthrough on the issue during the visit.”
The ambassador also mentioned that Bangladesh has been in a stable political situation for a long time, which has accelerated its development.
He also believes that the visit will consolidate bilateral relations between the two nations.
“This visit would create immense opportunities in political, economic, and cultural arenas. It would create a win-win situation for the two countries,” he stated.
Asked about China’s cooperation on behalf of Bangladesh to include it in the BRICS, the envoy said that China would assist Bangladesh in becoming a member of the BRICS.