Chinese Ambassador to Yao Wen has said that no external pressure or third party would be able to influence relations between Bangladesh and China, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation under the new government.

The envoy made the remarks after a courtesy meeting on Sunday (February 22) with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

Responding to a question from reporters about potential external efforts to curb China’s role in Bangladesh, Ambassador Yao said Dhaka-Beijing ties are resilient and immune to outside interference. “No external force can affect our bilateral relations,” he said, adding that both countries remain committed to advancing cooperation and continuing the implementation of ongoing projects.

He noted that China highly appreciates and supports the new government’s “Bangladesh First” policy and stands ready to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations. China, he said, views Bangladesh as an important development partner and is prepared to extend full support to ensure smooth governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

On the long-pending Teesta initiative, the ambassador said discussions on the Teesta Master Plan have been underway for a considerable time and expressed optimism that the project would be launched soon. He added that both sides discussed the implementation of long-term projects, including those related to the Teesta River.

Describing his first meeting with the foreign minister as “sincere and friendly,” Yao said the two sides held in-depth and pragmatic talks on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and key issues such as the Rohingya crisis. According to BSS, the discussions also covered investment expansion, job creation, education and healthcare cooperation aimed at supporting Bangladesh’s self-reliant and democratic development.

The ambassador also congratulated Bangladesh on the peaceful and orderly conduct of the 13th parliamentary election, terming it a victory for democracy and a significant achievement for the people of the country.

Recalling the historical roots of bilateral ties, Yao said the foundation of China-Bangladesh relations was laid during the presidency of late Ziaur Rahman and subsequently strengthened over the years. China, he added, is ready to carry forward that legacy with the current administration.

Reiterating Beijing’s position, the envoy affirmed China’s support for Bangladesh in safeguarding its unity, stability, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, underscoring that the partnership between the two countries would continue to grow on the basis of mutual respect and shared development goals.

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