China respects choice of Bangladeshi people for independent development path: Envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (2 July) said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and respects the choice of the Bangladeshi people for an independent development path suited to their national conditions.

"China reaffirmed its policy of good-neighbourliness toward all the people of Bangladesh," he said while briefing the media at the embassy.

Director at the Embassy Zhang Jing and Counsellor Song Yang were also present at the media briefing that described the recent visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China as a "complete success."

China congratulated Bangladesh on the successful general election held in February this year and expressed support for the new government led by Tarique Rahman.

China also became the first country to include support for Bangladesh's "Bangladesh First" policy in an official bilateral document.

The envoy said the current government in Bangladesh has taken a more positive and constructive position on the Taiwan question than the previous governments.

"This fully demonstrates Bangladesh's stronger support for China's core interests," he said while briefing the media at the embassy.

On its part, the ambassador said, Bangladesh reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, and recognised that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

"Bangladesh resolutely opposes any form of 'Taiwan independence' and firmly supports China's efforts to achieve national reunification," he said.

The two sides agreed to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, further align their development strategies, and explore new opportunities in green and low-carbon development, digital economy, information technology, and artificial intelligence.

"We will also strengthen cooperation in trade, industrial and supply chains, finance, health, culture, education, and subnational exchanges," said the ambassador.

He also said they will steadily advance major flagship projects, including ports and water resources development, to promote shared development and prosperity.

"Through concrete actions, our two countries have translated mutual support into reality and further strengthened our strategic mutual trust," he added.

During the visit, Bangladesh announced that it will establish its first overseas investment office in China.

The Chinese said this will provide a more convenient platform for enterprises from both countries to expand investment cooperation.

At the investment forum, the two sides signed the agreement on the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram and the MoU on the Mongla Port Economic Zone.

The two sides also agreed to jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project.

They signed the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Jackfruits from Bangladesh to China.

At the invitation of Li Qiang, premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an official visit to China from 22 to 26 June and attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian.

During the visit, Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China, met with Tarique Rahman.

Li Qiang, premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, held talks with Tarique Rahman.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, had a meeting with the prime minister.

The prime minister also noted that China is a great country, holds a significant place in Bangladesh's foreign policy, and is a valued and trusted partner.