孟中关系进入“新时代”

Tarique says he pushed ahead with Bangladesh-first policy; Xi says China will remain good friend, partner; 17 deals signed

28 June 2026, 00:00 AM

UPDATED 28 June 2026, 12:08 PM

Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh and China have entered what both sides described as a “new era” in bilateral relations, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day visit laying the groundwork for a long-term strategic partnership.The visit marked an expansion of ties beyond traditional economic cooperation into regional diplomacy, connectivity, defence dialogue, and geopolitical coordination. “In my capacity, I have sought to speak for the interests of the nation and its people and to protect those interests.” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman “No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations ... .” President Xi Jinping The June 22-26 trip was Tarique’s first foreign visit since assuming office in February. The trip included Malaysia as the first leg. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. Photo: PID In China, three agreements, one framework agreement, one protocol, one joint action plan, nine memorandums of understanding (MoUs), and a 15-point joint communiqué outlining future cooperation between the two countries were signed.The instruments included 13 at the ministry level, three involving business entities and one between the ruling BNP and the Communist Party of China (CPC).According to a joint statement issued by the two nations, both sides agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era to bring about more benefits to the two countries and peoples.The Jatiya Sangsad yesterday unanimously adopted a motion of thanks to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the success of his official visits to Malaysia and China.Officials in Dhaka and Beijing described the visit as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between the two countries in recent years.In China, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.He also attended the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos meeting and the Bangladesh Investment Forum and held talks with senior Chinese policymakers, financial institutions, and business leaders.‘HISTORIC STATE VISIT’At a press briefing at the foreign ministry yesterday, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described Tarique’s trip to China as a “historic”.“The relationship has been elevated from a comprehensive, strategic, cooperative partnership to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future, which is the highest level of bilateral relationship for China,” he said.The two countries will now hold regular strategic dialogues at the foreign ministry level and explore “Two-Plus-Two” mechanisms to coordinate foreign policy and security.“This is critical in a world of evolving geopolitics,” he said.President Xi Jinping also offered a strong and positive message on future relations. “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 neighbour and good partner of Bangladesh,” Xi said.Analysts believe Tarique’s decision to prioritise China during his early overseas engagements reflects Dhaka’s intention to strengthen ties with Asian powers while maintaining balanced relations with the West.Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China Policy”, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and opposing any form of “Taiwan independence”.The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strengthen regional connectivity, and coordinate more closely in multilateral platforms.BANGLADESH JOINS GDIBangladesh, which joined the BRI in 2016, also signed an MoU under China’s flagship Global Development Initiative (GDI) to cooperate in education, healthcare, human resources development, and the teaching of Mandarin in Bangladeshi schools.China also welcomed Bangladesh’s aspiration to participate in BRICS and supported its application to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).The joint communiqué stated that both countries would continue supporting multilateralism, the UN-centred international order, and inclusive economic globalisation.TRADE, INVESTMENTBangladesh currently faces a large trade imbalance with China, its largest trading partner. Although bilateral trade between the two countries is worth $24 billion annually, Bangladesh exports only about $1 billion.Officials said discussions focused on reducing the gap by expanding Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity and diversifying exports.Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the visit produced major progress in infrastructure and industrial cooperation, particularly regarding the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram, and Mongla Port modernisation and expansion.Ashik added Bangladesh and China reached an agreement to establish a Chinese Industrial Park on around 150 acres adjacent to the Mongla Port modernisation project.He noted Chinese investors expressed interest in several sectors, including renewable energy, textiles and garments, electronics, healthcare, medical devices, automobiles, recycling, and oil and gas.Ashik added that separate meetings were held with Chinese companies regarding energy infrastructure projects related to gas, coal, and LNG imports to support Bangladesh’s growing power demand.The two sides discussed relocating Chinese factories to Bangladesh in sectors where the country has an adequate labour force and technical capability.Bangladesh welcomed China’s zero-tariff treatment for all Bangladeshi exports and pledged to improve the investment climate for Chinese investors.TEESTA WATER MANAGEMENTChina agreed to support Bangladesh’s Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, along with broader cooperation in flood prevention, river dredging, hydrological forecasting, and irrigation systems.The Teesta water-sharing agreement between Bangladesh and India has remained unresolved since 2011 due to opposition from West Bengal.Khalilur said China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project.Responding to Indian concerns, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China-Bangladesh cooperation “does not target any third party”.China also offered technical training for Bangladeshi experts in river management, flood control, and inland water transport systems.CHINA-MYANMAR-BANGLADESH CORRIDORRegional connectivity also emerged as a major focus during the visit, particularly discussions surrounding the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor (CMBEC).Officials said the proposed corridor could significantly improve regional trade, transport, and industrial connectivity by linking south-western China with Bangladesh through Myanmar.Discussions also covered multimodal transport systems and regional logistics cooperation under the BRI framework.ROHINGYA ISSUE, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIESChina pledged continued support in facilitating dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation.The foreign minister said the government plans to pursue more active diplomatic engagement with Myanmar while using China’s influence to advance negotiations.China also offered cooperation in healthcare, including robotic surgery, hospital development, and easier medical visa procedures for Bangladeshis.The two countries further agreed to increase exchanges involving the media, think tanks, youth programmes, sports, and culture as part of broader people-to-people engagement.‘BANGLADESH FIRST’Tarique in parliam

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