Emphasizing strategic ties, remark hints that despite broad diplomatic outreach, China holds a uniquely trusted position among allies
By Mustak Zahid
DHAKA: China’s growing engagement with Bangladesh took center stage in Beijing as a high-ranking Chinese official reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Dhaka amid shifting political dynamics in South Asia. Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), underscored the significance of Bangladesh’s geopolitical position and emphasized the need for strong, reliable partnerships.
Speaking to a delegation of Bangladeshi political leaders, students, scholars, and journalists at the IDCPC office, she framed China as a steadfast ally in Bangladesh’s pursuit of stability and progress. “Bangladesh is situated in a very special strategic geographical location. You have a strong neighbor. It is necessary for Bangladesh to have amicable and reliable neighbors who are stable, believe in peace, peaceful coexistence, and are willing to share development opportunities without interfering in each other’s internal affairs,” she said.
The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan, is on an 11-day visit to China at the invitation of the CPC. The visit comes at a crucial moment as Bangladesh prepares for electoral reforms and political transitions, with China expressing keen interest in supporting Dhaka’s developmental trajectory.
Sun Haiyan made it clear that China sees itself as a trusted partner for Bangladesh. “Although you try to maintain good relations with all countries, we believe that among all these friends, you have several special ones that you trust more, and perhaps you trust the most. I understand China can be that one,” she remarked. Her remarks carried a sense of reassurance, particularly as Bangladesh grapples with economic and political uncertainties. She emphasized that, unlike many other nations, China’s internal and foreign policies remain stable and consistent, positioning it as a reliable partner in times of transition.
“In the coming months, as you prepare for elections, reform, and the formation of a new government, we will continue our support and bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. The sooner, the better, to help Bangladesh get back on the fast-evolving track,” she said. The CPC leader urged Bangladeshi politicians to identify key areas where China could assist. “We want you to explore more areas of cooperation… When you form a government, identify in which areas we can work together for your people and your interests. We can figure out some ways that will benefit both sides and help each other develop, fostering common prosperity. This is our value,” she observed.
Sun Haiyan acknowledged China’s extensive collaboration with Bangladesh across multiple sectors and suggested that the scope of cooperation could be expanded further. “We can do many more things. If I get the opportunity to visit your country next time, I hope to see a better Dhaka,” she said, reflecting China’s broader ambitions of deepening its footprint in South Asia. Her remarks also touched on the dramatic transformations unfolding on the global stage. “We all know the international landscape is transforming drastically almost every day. We have noticed that Bangladesh’s internal situation has changed significantly over the past year. We believe that, no matter what happens, our ties will remain strong and stable,” she said.
The CPC, she noted, has maintained longstanding relationships with political parties in Bangladesh, recognizing party-to-party ties as an essential pillar of bilateral engagement. “It’s important to establish people-to-people relationships. But, I believe party-to-party relationships play a very important and positive role in ensuring a strong relationship with the people. Because each political party represents a certain group of people and has significant influence in the government,” she said.
She emphasized that fostering a deep understanding between China and Bangladesh at the political level would further solidify economic and cultural ties. “This is a critical moment to understand each other’s needs in order to strengthen our relationship further. Apart from development, we can work on addressing the needs of the people in our two countries,” she added.
Looking ahead, she encouraged Bangladesh to develop policies that reflect its own national interests rather than external influences. “We hope the new Bangladesh can stand with its own characteristics and adopt policies based on the needs of your people, not the needs of other nations. You should not simply copy the policies and systems of other countries. Your system should be established based on the needs of your people,” she said.
Healthcare was one area where China offered direct support. Sun Haiyan highlighted China’s expertise in affordable medical services and advanced healthcare systems, suggesting that Bangladesh could benefit from China’s experience in reforming its own medical sector. Moyeen Khan, representing the Bangladeshi delegation, welcomed China’s engagement and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen ties between the two nations. “The relationship between the people of China and Bangladesh is historic. We hope these ties will continue not for just one more decade, but for thousands of years. This is my sincere wish,” he said.
He also acknowledged China’s past contributions to Bangladesh’s development, singling out three key areas where Beijing’s support had left a lasting impact. “The first is the China-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, which was the first bridge constructed in Bangladesh over the River Buriganga with China’s support. Now, there are many bridges and large infrastructures, but that bridge was the first major infrastructure built in Bangladesh with your help,” he said.
He also credited China with playing a pivotal role in the rise of Bangladesh’s garment industry. “Ziaur Rahman introduced the garment sector in Bangladesh with the concept and idea from China. After China, despite being a small country, Bangladesh is now the second-largest garment supplier in the world.”
Beyond economic cooperation, Moyeen underscored China’s role in strengthening Bangladesh’s military following its independence. “Ziaur Rahman also initiated a strategic relationship with China. After the liberation war, when our armed forces were virtually destroyed, China fully supported the reconstruction of our military,” he said.
Looking to the future, he proposed three new areas for deeper collaboration once a new democratic government is formed. He recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh eight years ago, during which he had promised substantial economic support. “But, the previous government could only utilize 25-30 percent of the financial support promised by the Chinese President over the past eight years. We hope this financial assistance and cooperation will be revitalized in the coming months, which will greatly benefit the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
He also called for China’s assistance in boosting Bangladesh’s garment industry by helping it manufacture raw materials, particularly yarn, which could enhance its competitiveness in the global market. “We seek your help in setting up this industry in Bangladesh so that we can produce raw materials for finished garment products. If we can produce these initial raw materials, we’ll be able to supply finished garments at a very competitive price,” he said. Beyond textiles, he urged China to support Bangladesh in developing its artificial intelligence industry and proposed the establishment of an electric vehicle production facility in Bangladesh. “I would also like to propose setting up at least one electric vehicle production factory in Bangladesh with your cooperation,” he said. Moyeen concluded by emphasizing the need for deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries, given Bangladesh’s geopolitical significance. His words signaled a clear desire to maintain a strong partnership with China in an era of global uncertainty, where alliances are being reshaped and economic interests are being recalibrated.
