Kashmir incident: Chinese envoy calls for neutral probe
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Describing India and Pakistan as China’s closest neighbours, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has called for a neutral investigation into the Kashmir incident and urged both nations to avoid tension and resolve the crisis through peaceful means.
He also stated that China is not involved in the United Nations-proposed humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The ambassador made these remarks on Thursday at a seminar organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-China Relations: Journey Towards a New Height.”
In his speech, Yao Wen said that both India and Pakistan are China’s closest neighbouring countries.
He urged both nations to refrain from any actions that could further complicate the situation.
Referring to the missile attack by India on Pakistan as “regrettable,” Yao stated, “Today’s world is filled with instability, uncertainty, and chaos. However, China will always remain firm on the right side of history and in support of humanity’s progress.”
He also affirmed China’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and mentioned that China is ready to assist in Bangladesh’s security cooperation.
Addressing the humanitarian corridor issue for conflict-ridden Rakhine in Myanmar, Yao clarified that China has no involvement in this UN-supervised proposal.
“As far as I know, this is a UN initiative. Due to the ongoing situation in Rakhine, they want to use this passage to aid the affected. Bangladesh, Myanmar, or others may be involved, but China is not. This is purely a matter of internal discussion within Myanmar,” said the ambassador.
Yao emphasised that China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and does not interfere in internal affairs.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar would resolve the Rohingya crisis peacefully.
When questioned about an alleged proposal from Bangladesh’s Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami to recognise Rakhine as an independent state, the ambassador responded, “I have had no discussion with Jamaat-e-Islami on this matter. Why they said such a thing is for them to explain. You should ask them.”
The ambassador also informed that a Chinese trade delegation of 100 members, led by China’s Minister of Commerce, will visit Dhaka this month.
He noted, “Such a large business delegation from China has never visited before. This is very positive and will further strengthen trade cooperation between the two countries.”
On the topic of interim government reforms in Bangladesh, Yao said, “This is an internal matter of Bangladesh. Unlike others, we do not make open remarks nor do we wish to. We only say that stability is beneficial for a country, and without stability, progress is not possible.”
He also addressed the economic impact of the United States’ unilateral tariffs on various countries, noting that these have posed serious challenges to the global economy.
He stated that while countries, including Bangladesh, are negotiating with the US over tariff issues, China believes these problems cannot be solved through compromise with the US.
Instead, countries must steadfastly adhere to principles of fairness, justice, and policy to protect their interests.
The ambassador further said that China is prepared to work with Bangladesh and all other parties to uphold free trade, multilateralism, and inclusive economic globalization.
He stressed the need for enhanced coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation to jointly resist unilateral protectionism and hegemonic practices.
He criticised the new US administration’s unreasonable and unilateral tariffs, which have disrupted bilateral economic and trade relations as well as global economic order-posing serious challenges to economic recovery.
“We have observed that discussions are ongoing between the US and other economies. We wish to state that honour cannot be gained through compromise. Only by sticking to principles of fairness and justice can countries defend their interests,” Yao said. In his keynote address, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, former professor of international relations at the University of Dhaka and international analyst, said that the relationship between China and Bangladesh goes back not just 50 years, but a thousand years.
He described China as a trusted friend of Bangladesh and praised its vital role in infrastructure development and trade cooperation. He highlighted two key aspects of China-Bangladesh relations: China has never interfered in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, and it maintains deep relations with all political parties in Bangladesh.