China reaffirms support for Teesta project, interest in economic corridor through Myanmar
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 support for Bangladesh's Teesta River megaproject, expressed interest in advancing a Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and said defence cooperation with Dhaka will continue to deepen.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka today (2 July), Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen described Prime Minister Tarque Rahman's visit to China on 22-26 June "a complete success" that elevated bilateral ties to a new strategic height.
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China reiterates support for Teesta project
Responding to a question on the Teesta River project, Yao said Beijing's position remained unchanged.
He said, "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 its assistance."
The ambassador said a comprehensive scientific feasibility study would be required before work could begin because of the river's complex conditions.
Asked whether India's concerns over the project could affect China's involvement, Yao stressed that the Teesta project belonged to Bangladesh.
"It is your project. China is participating at the request of the Bangladesh side. Our position has not changed," he said.
He said the project had been discussed during the prime minister's recent visit to China and that the feasibility study would be carried out jointly with Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division (ERD).
"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," Yao added.
Beijing keen on Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor
The Chinese ambassador said, Beijing wants to move ahead with the Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
He said the concept was not new, recalling that China had proposed the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor around 15 years ago, although the initiative failed to progress as expected.
Yao Wen said, "We proposed the corridor about 15 years ago and achieved some progress. But due to various reasons, we have not achieved the results China had expected. Now Bangladesh wants greater regional connectivity, China also wants greater regional connectivity, and I believe Myanmar also wants this kind of cooperation.
"Why can't our three countries start with what we have now? We are open and welcome other countries if they are willing to join. It is up to them to decide whether they want to participate or take a wait-and-see approach. But China is determined to move forward with Bangladesh and Myanmar to build this economic corridor."
Yao stressed that the initiative was designed solely to improve connectivity and regional economic cooperation.
Global Development Initiative to broaden cooperation
The ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh's decision to join the Global Development Initiative (GDI), saying it would create broader opportunities for bilateral development cooperation.
The Chinese ambassador said, "The GDI Memorandum of Understanding has been under discussion for quite some time. We are happy that it will now be signed. The GDI is related to the common development and prosperity of China and other countries, especially those from the Global South.
"More than 190 countries and international organisations have already joined us. We are pleased that Bangladesh is now part of the GDI family, and I believe this will provide an even bigger platform for China-Bangladesh cooperation on development affairs."
No comment on specific defence purchases
Yao Wen also talked about the key achievements of Tarique's visit to China, highlighting the launch of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level and the exploration of a "2+2" dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence.
Talking about defence cooperation, Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China cooperation is comprehensive and the defence cooperation is part of that.
Responding to a question on reports that Bangladesh could procure Chinese J-10C fighter aircraft following the PM's visit, Yao declined to comment on any specific defence purchase.
"You may notice that in the joint communique the two sides agreed to deepen defence cooperation including exchanges, visits, training and both sides agreed to maintain mutual understanding and engagement on UN peacekeeping affairs. So, what I say is our cooperation is very comprehensive. So, defence cooperation is also part of it. But I'm not in a position to pinpoint any particular purchase project."
Describing Tarque's visit as a major diplomatic success, Yao said it had injected fresh momentum into Dhaka-Beijing relations and opened new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and development.
"It's a complete success. It's a milestone in Bangladesh-China relations which reached a new strategic height," he said.
Yao Wen said the long-pending China Economic and Industrial Zone has made tangible progress, with almost all paperwork completed within four months of the new government taking office. He said more than 30 Chinese companies have so far committed $500 million in investment in the zone, calling it a strong signal that Bangladesh is friendly to Chinese businesses.
Director at the Embassy Zhang Jing and Counselor Song Yang were also present at the briefing.
