Chinese Communist Party seeks to boost relations with political parties in Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said today that the Communist Party of China (CPC) seeks to enhance relations with all political parties in Bangladesh. 

"However, China's relationship with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami was hindered over the past 10 years. Now, efforts are underway to strengthen those ties," he said.

 The envoy remarked while responding to a question regarding the recent visits of top BNP and Jamaat leaders to China, during a "DCAB Talk" hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club.

 He noted that high-level delegations from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami visited China recently and engaged in governance-related discussions.

"No matter what domestic changes are taking place in Bangladesh, China will remain committed to strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation with Bangladesh, and we will continue to support Bangladesh in its efforts toward sustainable development and improving people's livelihoods," Yao said. 

About China's view on Bangladesh's upcoming national election, the Chinese envoy said, "The timing of the election is a matter for the Bangladesh government and its people to decide. As a foreign diplomat, I am not in a position to comment on that."

"The issue of whether or not a national government will be formed is (also) an internal matter of Bangladesh," he added.

Reaffirming Beijing's stance on non-interference, Yao said, "China supports the interim government of Bangladesh in its governance and backs the efforts of Bangladesh to hold the general election smoothly and successfully and to pursue a development path that suits its national conditions."

Asked whether China would assist in investigating the recent aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka's Uttara, the ambassador expressed deep sorrow over the incident. 

"China is deeply saddened by this incident. If the Bangladesh government seeks assistance, China is ready to help," he said.

About trilateral relations among Bangladesh, China ,and Pakistan, Ambassador Yao referred to the successful China-Bangladesh-Pakistan trilateral foreign secretary-level meeting held in Kunming and said that during the meeting, the three countries came to a consensus to enhance regional cooperation in 12 specific sectors.

"It is quite natural. China maintains relations with many countries. China looks forward to advancing the making joint efforts with Bangladesh and Pakistan to solidly trilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results," said the envoy. 

The ambassador reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with Bangladesh, vowing continued support for the country's development, sovereignty, and multilateral engagement.

"Over the past year, both China and Bangladesh have been confronted with historic opportunities and significant changes in external environments.

However, the defining features of our bilateral relationship, mutual respect and equality, remain unchanged," Yao told journalists.

The Chinese envoy highlighted that political mutual trust, the cornerstone of bilateral ties, is being further consolidated, citing the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The two leaders reached a number of important understandings and consensus, providing strategic guidance for the long-term development of bilateral relations," he said.

Ambassador Yao also mentioned meetings between member of the CPC Political Bureau and Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, reiterating mutual support on core interests and enhanced cooperation in regional and multilateral platforms.

"As stated by Hon'ble Foreign Adviser, developing friendly cooperation with China is a consensus among the Bangladeshi people," he noted.

On the economic front, Yao Wen pointed to deepening integration of development strategies, including China's zero-tariff treatment on all taxable items from Bangladesh until 2028. 

He said Chinese investment in Bangladesh has surged 3.7 times in the first quarter of 2025 alone. "China has become the largest source of FDI in Bangladesh since the interim government took office," he added.

He also announced that China would continue expanding imports from Bangladesh, citing the recent entry of Bangladeshi mangoes into the Chinese market as a symbol of deepening economic ties.

Addressing people-to-people contacts, Yao highlighted the yearlong celebrations marking 50 years of bilateral relations, including a historic drone show in Dhaka, medical cooperation, media visits and expanded education opportunities.

"At present, there are 68 flights operating weekly, which transport more than 13,000 passengers. Around 15,000 Bangladeshi students are receiving higher education in China," he informed.

On multilateral cooperation, the ambassador stressed close coordination between the two nations under global platforms like the United Nations, commending Bangladesh's role in peacekeeping and sustainable development goals.

The Chinese envoy strongly criticized unilateral trade measures and protectionist policies, particularly targeting the U.S. stance toward developing nations.

"We support Bangladesh in upholding WTO rules and the multilateral trading system. China stands ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Bangladesh to jointly resist unilateral bullying and defend global fairness and justice," said the ambassador.

The talk was presided over by DCAB President AKM Moinuddin with General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun delivering the welcome remarks.