China-Bangladesh ties at their best in history: Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (1 October) described Dhaka-Beijing bilateral relations as being at their best in history, citing deepening political trust, expanding economic cooperation, and increasingly warm exchanges between the two peoples.

"Today, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful economic and trade cooperation, and ever-warmer people-to-people exchanges, China-Bangladesh relations are at their best in history," he said in a statement today marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The ambassador said the friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to advance despite challenges.

In the statement, titled "Over Half a Century Hand in Hand, Toward an Even Brighter Future," Yao reaffirmed Beijing's support for Bangladesh's government, sovereignty, and greater international engagement.

"China supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising governance, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, opposes external interference, and supports Bangladesh in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs," he said.

Yao said the two countries had remained good neighbors, friends, and partners through half a century of shared experiences, maintaining relations based on mutual respect and sincerity.

He noted that this year marks the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China and the 10th anniversary of their Belt and Road cooperation.

The ambassador highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China this year as an important development in advancing bilateral ties.

"This year, Hon'ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid his first visit to China, during which the leaders of the two countries reached a series of important understandings and elevated bilateral relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, injecting strong impetus into the long-term development of bilateral ties," he said.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's political changes during his tenure, Yao expressed admiration for the resilience and national dignity of its people.

"Over the past three years, I have personally witnessed Bangladesh's political transformation and the historic choices this nation has made at a critical juncture," he said.

"I hold deep admiration for the remarkable resilience and national dignity demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people, who, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, have embarked on a new path of reform and development."

The Chinese ambassador acknowledged that bilateral relations had faced headwinds but said the partnership had demonstrated vitality and continued to move forward.

He said he would leave his post in a few days after serving in Bangladesh for three years and nine months, describing the period as a deeply meaningful chapter of his diplomatic career.

"These more than 1,300 days and nights have been the most fulfilling and unforgettable chapter of my diplomatic career...As I prepare to leave, my heart is filled with profound attachment and reluctance to part."

Recalling his travels across Bangladesh, Yao said he had walked through Dhaka's streets and alleys and conducted field visits to Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur, and other areas.

He said the optimism and determination of Bangladesh's young people had left a particularly strong impression on him.

Whether working on urban construction sites or living in rural areas, young Bangladeshis continued to demonstrate hope and aspirations for a better life despite hardship, he said.

"Young people are a nation's most precious treasure and the very future of the country," Yao said. "I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow for Bangladesh."

The ambassador said he had also witnessed rapid changes in Bangladesh's infrastructure and daily life, including the construction of viaducts, improved road connections, changes to Dhaka's skyline, and the growing use of mobile payments.

Warm greetings and sincere smiles during his travels reflected the Bangladeshi people's friendship towards the Chinese people, he said.

Yao said he was gratified to have witnessed bilateral relations overcome difficulties and achieve steady development, bringing benefits and greater convenience to both peoples.

He also recalled the friendships he had developed in Bangladesh, saying he would treasure the conversations and shared experiences.

Turning to China's development, the ambassador said the country had pursued a path of modernisation suited to its national conditions under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

He said China's economy grew by 4.7% in the first half of this year despite international energy shortages and disruptions to industrial and supply chains.

China had also made advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, new energy, and aerospace, he said.

Yao said China remained committed to safeguarding the United Nations-centered international system and advancing its Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilisation and Global Governance initiatives.

He also noted that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, attributing its continued vitality to rigorous self-governance and self-reform.

On the occasion of China's national anniversary, the ambassador thanked those who had supported China's development and Bangladesh-China friendship and extended greetings to Chinese nationals in Bangladesh.

Looking ahead, Yao expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow stronger and cooperation would expand further. "Wherever I may be, my heart will remain closely tied to this land and to the cause of China-Bangladesh friendship," he said.

"I firmly believe that the future of China-Bangladesh relations will be ever brighter and the road of our friendly cooperation ever wider."