The ambassador made these remarks in response to a question at the ‘DCAB Talk’ organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association (DCAB) at the National Press Club on Tuesday (July 29, 2025).
Responding to a question regarding China’s position on the upcoming national elections, the ambassador said, “The timing of the elections is a matter for the government and people of Bangladesh. China supports the governance of the interim government of Bangladesh and its efforts to hold peaceful and successful national elections in Bangladesh. At the same time, China will continue to support Bangladesh’s efforts to follow a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Ambassador Yao Wen expressed deep sorrow over the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara. He said, “China is deeply shocked by this incident.”
In response to a question about whether China would provide assistance in the investigation of the plane crash, the ambassador said, “China is ready to provide assistance if the Bangladesh government wants.”
Regarding the trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, Yao Wen said that a trilateral meeting at the foreign ministerial level was recently held in Kunming, China. In it, the three countries agreed to enhance regional cooperation in 12 specific sectors.
He said, “This is very natural. China maintains relations with many countries. Together with Bangladesh and Pakistan, China wants to further strengthen trilateral cooperation and achieve practical results.”
The ambassador said that China is committed to advancing the strategic partnership with Bangladesh. China will continue to support the country’s development, sovereignty and multilateral cooperation as before.
He said, “In the past year, both China and Bangladesh have faced historic opportunities on the one hand and major changes in the global situation on the other hand. Yet, the fundamental basis of our relationship remains mutual respect and equality.’
The Chinese ambassador said, ‘The fundamental basis of our bilateral relationship is political mutual trust, which is getting stronger. As an example, he cited the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to China and his meeting with President Xi Jinping.
He said, ‘The two leaders agreed on several important issues, which will serve as strategic guidelines for the long-term development of bilateral relations.’
He said that the meeting between CPC Political Bureau Member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain also discussed mutual interests and enhancing regional and international cooperation.
The Chinese ambassador said, “The foreign affairs advisor said that there is a consensus among the people of Bangladesh to build friendly cooperation with China.”
Regarding economic relations, the ambassador said that zero-tariff benefits are being provided on all dutiable products from Bangladesh until 2028, and the work of coordinating the development strategies of the two countries has been deepened.
He said, “Chinese investment in Bangladesh increased by 3.7 times in the first quarter of 2025. Since the interim government took office, China has become the largest foreign direct investor in Bangladesh.”
Describing China’s interest in importing Bangladeshi products, the ambassador said, “Recently, Bangladeshi mangoes have entered the Chinese market, which is a new milestone in the economic relations between the two countries.”
Yao Wen also said that various programs are being held throughout the year to mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. These include a historic drone show in Dhaka, medical assistance, visits by media personnel, and expanding new opportunities in the education sector.
He also said that currently, more than 13,000 passengers travel on 68 flights every week and about 15,000 Bangladeshi students are pursuing higher education in China.
Yao Wen mentioned that Bangladesh and China continue to have close cooperation on the global stage, including the United Nations. He praised Bangladesh’s contribution to peacekeeping missions and progress towards sustainable development.
He criticized the monopolistic trade policy and protectionist attitude, saying, “The United States has adopted such a policy, especially against developing countries.”
The ambassador said, “China stands by Bangladesh in upholding the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the multilateral trading system. China is ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Bangladesh in resisting unilateral pressure and wants to work together to protect global fairness and justice.”
DCAB President AKM Moinuddin presided over the event and General Secretary Md. Arifuzzaman Mamun delivered the welcome speech.
Source: BSS.
