Bangladesh ties target no third party

China has stressed that its cooperation with Bangladesh does not target any third country and should remain free from external influence, as Beijing defended its support for the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project amid concerns raised by India.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China was ready to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in areas including trade, water conservancy and livelihood projects, following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China from June 22 to 26.

Responding to a question regarding Indian concerns over China’s possible involvement in the Teesta River project, Guo said the initiative was a livelihood-focused project that Bangladesh attaches great importance to.

“The comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of the Teesta River is a livelihood project the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance to. China is ready to do what it can to support this project,” he said.

“I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third-party influence,” the spokesperson added.

Guo described Tarique Rahman’s visit as highly successful, saying it had produced broad consensus and a series of practical cooperation outcomes that would provide a new strategic roadmap for the development of bilateral relations.

According to the spokesperson, leaders of the two countries agreed to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, deepen strategic communication and enhance political mutual trust.

China also expressed support for Bangladesh’s current government, while Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle.

Guo said the two sides had agreed to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and align their development strategies more closely.

Cooperation will be expanded in infrastructure, ports, water conservancy, trade, industrial and supply chains, finance, and emerging sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and information technology.

On the international front, Guo said China and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, promote a more equitable multipolar world order and support inclusive economic globalisation.

“China stands ready to seek greater synergy in development strategies with Bangladesh and step up exchange and cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, water conservancy and livelihood,” the spokesperson said.

He also said that the two countries also signed multiple cooperation documents during the visit.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the 17th Summer Davos Forum during his stay in China and held separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji.