Bid to undermine Dhaka's cooperation with Beijing doomed to failure: China

DHAKA: China on Sunday impressed on the new govt in Dhaka that it stands ready to carry forward cooperation in all sectors with Bangladesh and said "any attempts to undermine its cooperation with Bangladesh or any South Asian countries were doomed to failure".

The remarks came days after the US envoy in Bangladesh Brent Christensen said, "He is concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia" and President Donald Trump in a letter to PM Tarique Rahman stressed that the US-Bangladesh partnership "is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper".

After his separate meetings with foreign minister Khalilur Rahman and state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Beijing appreciates Bangladesh in pursuing its "Bangladesh First" policy. China stands ready to carry forward cooperation in all sectors with the new govt of Bangladesh and jointly write new chapters in the bilateral relationship, he said. But, Yao said, "any attempt to undermine their cooperation with Bangladesh or any South Asian countries were doomed to failure". "Our cooperation is not targeting any third party, and should not be affected by any foreign force forces," he told reporters.

The ambassador said Dhaka and Beijing have been engaged in long-standing discussions over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, expressing the hope that work on the long-awaited initiative will begin soon. He said the high-level visits between the two countries would continue.

Yao said as a friendly neighbour and a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner of Bangladesh, China attaches great importance to deepening relations with Bangladesh, and supports the new govt under the leadership of PM Tarique in exercising smooth governance.

Foreign minister Khalilur said China is a trust-worthy friend and reliable partner for Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh will continue to pursue a friendly policy towards China, enhance its friendship with China, and looks forward to further deepening practical cooperation with China for the greater benefit of both peoples.