Beijing signals solidarity with Dhaka in tariff row
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed Beijing’s solidarity with Dhaka in light of the recent US-imposed tariffs targeting multiple countries, including Bangladesh and China.
Speaking at the China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation Seminar and the launch event for new industry reports by the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), held at a city hotel on Wednesday, Ambassador Yao described the US action as a “unilateral move” and urged collective efforts to protect national interests.
“China too is a victim of this policy,” said Yao. “We fully support Bangladesh in taking necessary measures to defend its legitimate interests and
to secure a fair trading environment.”
He noted that China is currently developing its own response to the tariffs and expressed optimism that a mutually beneficial agreement between China and Bangladesh could be reached soon.
Addressing concerns over potential economic instability arising from the tariff decision, Yao expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to weather the storm. “I believe Bangladesh has both the wisdom and the capacity to overcome this challenge,” he stated.
Ambassador Yao also highlighted the outcomes of a recent trilateral meeting held in Kunming involving China, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework and upholding the principles of multilateral trade.
“This initiative is aimed at promoting economic development and improving livelihoods across all three countries,” said Yao. “We have identified 12 key areas for cooperation, including trade, industry, education, the environment, and water resource management.”
He stressed that the framework for cooperation is guided by four principles: openness, transparency, mutual benefit, and mutual trust. Responding to concerns that the trilateral initiative may antagonise other nations, Yao clarified, “This process targets no third country. There is no cause for concern.”
When questioned about a recent meeting with the Jamaat-e-Islami political party, the ambassador explained that it focused on party-to-party engagement with the Chinese Communist Party and upcoming visits.
“As for the election process, it is entirely a matter for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Yao affirmed, reiterating China’s longstanding policy of non-interference.
The seminar also saw the launch of several sectoral reports – including on power, energy, ICT, and environmental cooperation – aimed at deepening industrial and supply chain collaboration between China and Bangladesh.