China Not Part of 'Humanitarian Corridor', Open to Teesta Project: Envoy

China Not Involved in 'Humanitarian Corridor'; Open to Teesta Project Support: Envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen clarified today that China has no involvement in the "so-called humanitarian corridor" related to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, emphasizing Beijing’s consistent position on respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Regarding the ‘so-called humanitarian corridor,’ China is not involved,” he said while responding to a question following a country lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.

He explained that, to his knowledge, the corridor is a United Nations initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict in Rakhine, and reiterated that China is not participating in this effort.

Reaffirming China’s policy of non-interference, Ambassador Yao expressed hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar would resolve the Rohingya issue through peaceful dialogue and advance the repatriation process.

Turning to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), Yao said China is ready to support the initiative. He referenced the joint media statement following the recent meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies’ participation.

“China is ready to help. Now it is up to Bangladesh to decide whether it wants to move forward,” he said.

When asked whether the project would be implemented bilaterally, trilaterally, or through an international consortium, the envoy said the decision rests entirely with Bangladesh. “China will respect whatever decision Bangladesh makes. I hope the project begins soon,” he added.

In his lecture, titled ‘Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height’, the ambassador highlighted China’s commitment to a multipolar world grounded in sovereign equality. He stressed that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of others and that every nation has the right to determine its own development path.

“China and Bangladesh have always respected each other. As an independent sovereign state, Bangladesh should remain free from external interference,” he said, reaffirming Beijing’s long-standing support for Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national dignity.

Ambassador Yao also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s firm commitment to the one-China policy and its opposition to “Taiwan independence.” He noted that China-Bangladesh relations have remained resilient amid global and domestic political changes, and continue to gain strength.

“The foundation of our partnership lies in mutual respect and equality—principles that will continue to guide our future ties,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the ambassador announced that Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao will visit Bangladesh later this month, leading the largest-ever Chinese business delegation to the country. The visit aims to signal greater cooperation and boost trade and investment ties.

Over 100 Chinese investors are expected to join the delegation. A joint trade and investment exchange will bring together hundreds of companies from both nations to explore new partnerships. The visit will also feature the 15th meeting of the Bangladesh-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission to outline specific steps for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis gave the welcome address, with BIISS Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker presiding over the session. Professor Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, also delivered a presentation.