New era of partnership with China unveiled

Bangladesh and China have elevated their bilateral ties to a new strategic level, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman jointly announcing the establishment of a “China-Bangladesh community
with a shared future in the new era”.

The announcement came following a meeting between the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday during Rahman’s five-day official visit to China, which concluded with the signing of multiple cooperation agreements and the adoption of a comprehensive joint communiqué outlining an ambitious roadmap for future relations.

The upgraded partnership places particular emphasis on major development projects, including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, the modernisation of Mongla Port and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.

President Xi described Bangladesh as a close and reliable partner and reaffirmed Beijing’s long-term commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

“China has all along attached great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations,” Xi said, adding that Beijing had consistently pursued a policy of “good-neighborliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh”.

“No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor, and good partner of Bangladesh,” he said.

The Chinese leader also stressed Beijing’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independent development path.

“China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference,” Xi said.

Prime Minister Rahman welcomed the elevation of bilateral relations and described China as a key strategic partner for Bangladesh’s future development.

“China is a great country, holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, and is a valued and trusted partner of Bangladesh,” he said.

He also praised China’s development achievements under Xi’s leadership, saying that “Chinese modernisation is an example for Bangladesh to learn from” as the country seeks to accelerate its own economic transformation.

A major outcome of the visit was China’s commitment to support Bangladesh’s water management ambitions, particularly regarding the Teesta River.

According to the joint communiqué, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in integrated water resources management, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention, disaster reduction and river dredging.

Beyond the Teesta project, the two countries agreed to strengthen broader connectivity cooperation across the region.

President Xi expressed China’s readiness to advance the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, a key component of regional connectivity efforts linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.

He said China was prepared to work with Bangladesh to “advance the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor for greater regional connectivity”.

The joint communiqué stated that the two countries would jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project and accelerate development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.

Economic cooperation is expected to expand further through increased collaboration in trade, e-commerce, industrial and supply chains, and investment.

Bangladesh welcomed China’s continuation of zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of Bangladeshi tariff lines and pledged to create a favourable environment for Chinese investors.

The two countries also identified emerging sectors as new engines of growth in bilateral relations.

Xi said China was ready to deepen cooperation in green and low-carbon development, the digital economy, information technology and artificial intelligence.

The two countries agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between their foreign ministers and explore a “2+2” framework involving diplomatic and defence officials.

They further agreed to deepen defence cooperation through exchanges, training programmes and high-level visits.

On regional and global affairs, Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory and opposing any form of “Taiwan independence”.

China, in turn, expressed support for Bangladesh’s participation in BRICS activities and its application to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.