China is eager to host the Chief Adviser in Beijing this March

China’s Initiative to Deepen Relations with Bangladesh through Summit and Bilateral Cooperation

Following the change in government on 5 August 2024 due to the student-led uprising, China has expressed a strong interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh. As part of its efforts, Beijing aims to host Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in March, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This visit would coincide with the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), scheduled for 27-28 March in Beijing, where Dr. Yunus has been officially invited, according to diplomatic sources.

The Boao Forum for Asia serves as a nonprofit platform for leaders in government, business, and academia across Asia and beyond, addressing critical regional and global issues.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that China is eager to arrange a bilateral summit between Dr. Yunus and top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, alongside the BFA conference. Foreign Ministry officials confirmed that Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain is scheduled to visit China on Monday for preparatory talks. He is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday to discuss advancing bilateral relations.

Health Sector Cooperation in Focus
High-level discussions are likely to emphasize cooperation in healthcare, with proposals for constructing a China-funded friendship hospital in Purbachal, Bangladesh. The hospital aims to provide affordable medical services and cater to the rehabilitation needs of those injured during the student uprising. Diplomatic sources indicate that China has expressed willingness to support healthcare projects in Bangladesh, including identifying top-tier hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen confirmed Beijing’s agreement in principle to establish a hospital in Bangladesh, pending a detailed proposal. He also expressed China’s interest in modernizing Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.

Teesta River and Environmental Concerns
The visit will also address the Teesta River water management project, renewing the 2016 MoU between the Bangladesh Water Development Board and Power China. Discussions will include China’s mega-dam project in Tibet, which has raised concerns over its potential impact on downstream countries, including Bangladesh. However, the Chinese ambassador reassured that the project would not adversely affect neighboring nations.

Economic Cooperation and Trade
Bangladesh plans to prioritize economic and development cooperation in its talks with China. Key issues include reducing interest rates on loans, waiving the 0.5% commitment fee, and seeking additional investment in stalled projects, such as ship procurement.

Bangladesh will also urge China to extend duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi exports for an additional three years post-graduation from its least-developed country (LDC) status. Further, Dhaka will seek China’s support on the Rohingya issue, particularly in the UN Security Council.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated, “Discussions will focus on advancing cooperation in economic and development sectors, aligned with the five-decade anniversary of diplomatic relations.”

While China has shown keen interest in the summit, concerns remain over its timing, as it coincides with Bangladesh’s Independence Day celebrations on 26 March. Additionally, there are considerations about the necessity of a summit shortly after the foreign adviser’s meeting in Beijing. Diplomatic sources emphasize a cautious approach to avoid rapid alignment with any single country, given the policies of the previous government.

The potential outcomes of these engagements could significantly shape the future of Bangladesh-China relations, with a focus on healthcare, trade, investment, and regional cooperation.