China reiterates support for Teesta project; envoy says Beijing's position unchanged
Ambassador Yao Wen says Beijing will move ahead with the Teesta project at Bangladesh's request after completing a comprehensive scientific feasibility study.
Highlights
- China reaffirms commitment to Teesta River project.
- Proceeding at Bangladesh's request based on mutual benefits.
- Aimed at improving livelihoods for ten million people.
- Scientific feasibility study required before construction begins.
- External geopolitical concerns will not affect decisions.
China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh's Teesta River project, with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen saying Beijing's position remains unchanged and that it will proceed with the initiative at Bangladesh's request.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka today (2 July) on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the ambassador said Beijing would continue to assist Bangladesh within its capacity in implementing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
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Responding to a question on the project, Yao said China viewed the initiative as a Bangladesh-led development project aimed at improving the livelihoods of millions of people living along the Teesta River.
"As I said, first, the Teesta project is Bangladesh's project. It's your project. Second, the Chinese corporation is at the request of the Bangladesh side. We consider it mutually beneficial. It is a livelihood cooperation which hinges on the livelihood of many people living along the river. That is why China wants to offer our assistance. It is a need of the Bangladeshi people, especially those living in the northern part of Bangladesh," he said.
He said a comprehensive scientific feasibility study was essential before construction could begin because of the river's complex conditions.
"We need to carry out this feasibility study before we could start this project. That is the pure purpose. From our side, the other elements you mentioned are not in our consideration. China will proceed as Bangladesh wishes. So that is the position from our side," Yao added.
Asked whether India's concerns over the Teesta project could affect China's involvement, the ambassador stressed that the project belonged to Bangladesh and that Beijing would move forward according to Dhaka's wishes.
"The Teesta project is Bangladesh's project. It is your project. China is participating at the request of the Bangladesh side. Our position has not changed," he said.
Yao noted that the Teesta project was discussed during the prime minister's recent visit to China and said both sides had attached importance to advancing it.
He said the feasibility study would be conducted in coordination with Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD), expressing hope that work would begin soon and deliver tangible progress.
"This project concerns the livelihood of more than 10 million people living along the river. At the request of the Bangladesh government, China is prepared to offer whatever assistance it can to help implement the project. We still have a lot of communication and discussion on it, but the most important thing now is to conduct a sound scientific feasibility study," he said.
"China is committed to working with Bangladesh by sending top experts so that we can carry out a scientific feasibility study. You will see tangible progress very soon regarding this feasibility study," he added.
The ambassador reiterated that China would continue to support Bangladesh on the Teesta project within its capabilities, emphasising that considerations beyond the project itself were not part of Beijing's decision-making.
He said China remained committed to advancing the project on the basis of a sound scientific and technical assessment.
