Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has stated that China is not involved in the so-called “humanitarian corridor” issue. He emphasized that China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
He made these remarks on Thursday while speaking at an event titled “Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Reaching New Heights,” organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.
Regarding the corridor issue, the ambassador said, “I want to clearly state that China is not involved. As far as I understand, this is an initiative by UN agencies to provide relief in Myanmar’s Rakhine State for those affected by conflict. China has no part in it.”
He reiterated that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country and expressed hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar would resolve the Rohingya crisis through peaceful dialogue and make progress in the repatriation process.
In response to a question about the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), Ambassador Wen referred to a joint statement issued after a bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The statement welcomed the participation of Chinese companies in the project.
“We are ready,” the ambassador said. “China is willing to extend its hand in cooperation. Now it is up to Bangladesh to decide whether to proceed.”
“Whether the project is implemented bilaterally, trilaterally, or through an international coalition—it is entirely Bangladesh’s decision. China will respect that. The project can start as soon as possible. That’s all I want to say.”
Earlier in his speech, the ambassador said, “China supports a multipolar world where the equality of sovereignty is of utmost importance. Every country—regardless of its size, power, or wealth—deserves full respect for its sovereignty and dignity.”
“No country should interfere in another’s internal affairs,” he added. “Each state has the right to choose its social system and path of development independently.”
“China and Bangladesh have always respected each other. As a sovereign state, Bangladesh should remain free from external interference. The people of Bangladesh have the right to determine their own development path.”
Ambassador Wen further stated that China has always provided consistent and firm support to Bangladesh in protecting its independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, and in advancing modernization based on its own realities.
In return, he noted, Bangladesh has steadfastly supported the “One China” policy, rejected the so-called “Taiwan independence,” and upheld the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Despite global instability and recent political changes in Bangladesh, China-Bangladesh relations have remained stable and grown stronger, he said.