Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yao Wen has said that Beijing made its proposal on Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accept any decisions.
"We are open as long as it will be conducive for Bangladesh. China is open. It's purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage," he said on Thursday at the DCAB Talk.
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organized the event ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Beijing visit from July 8-11. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu conducted the program.
The ambassador discussed the whole range of issues that can be discussed during the visit including Bangladesh’s new proposal to get support for bolstering foreign reserves.
But Teesta received much attention since the Prime Minister’s visit to China comes on the heels of her unprecedented state visit to India.
Bangladesh has taken a Teesta conservation and management project after failing to sign any water-sharing deal with India due to West Bengal's resistance.
China conducted a feasibility study and made a proposal to the government.
India also showed interest and during the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh.
Replying to a question, the ambassador said they proposed "at the invitation of the Bangladesh government".
Asked whether China is ready to work with India on that project, he said: "I said it's purely decided by Bangladesh. We are open.
“We want to see Bangladesh have good relations with neighboring countries, with other countries. You know, it is a success of your national foreign policy. So we want to see good relations. And also we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be willed positively by the other countries. So that is win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties,” he said when asked whether China will be unhappy if Bangladesh leans towards India.
Asked whether there is any tension between India and China about this project, he said: "I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people, they need this project. So we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon."
Reserve support
Bangladesh is in talks with China for a loan of about $5 billion to support the foreign-exchange reserves in the wake of the dollar crisis.
Replying to a question, the ambassador said: “We do talk about these issues and we do have some new proposals from Bangladesh. And I should say it is very new for both of us. Some initiatives we never come across before, but China, we are open.
“So, it is still under discussion. And that is my position, is that whatever China can do, will do.
“As for the request from the Bangladesh side...so let's see...hopefully we can. We can make some breakthrough in this regard,” he said.
Defence cooperation
Bangladesh has strong defence ties with China. The government also bought first-ever submarines from China.
Asked whether China will offer any new defense articles during the visit, the ambassador said: “We have very close cooperation with Bangladesh. In defense sectors, we always discuss. But I'm not so sure whether (during the visit) we will have some documents signed this year.
“But that is my prediction that we'll have more cooperation, we'll have more concrete cooperation in the future with the general upgrading of our cooperation,” he said.
Rohingya crisis
Replying to a question, the ambassador said the Rohingya repatriation process “did not stop forever...just suspended due to conflict inside Myanmar, especially in the Rakhine state.”
“We have to ensure that they return safely. We have to ensure all the facilities are prepared for their return. But I cannot predict when the repatriation will start. It depends on when the conflict will stop, when we have the ceasefire arrangement. But China, we are working very hard on it. We will do whatever we can,” he said.
“And we also need the support of international stakeholders. So, I can tell you in very clear terms, China, we want peace. We want a ceasefire, but not all the stakeholders want a ceasefire, they want even more trouble inside Myanmar. They have their own political considerations. So, at this stage, we hope all stakeholders will come together, work for the common objectives, and create the conditions for resumption of repatriation,” he added.
“China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date,” Yao Wen said.
A new blueprint
Talking on the visit, the ambassador said the prime minister’s visit would outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions in regional and international affairs.
This will be her fifth visit to China and first after the re-election in January.
“This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer. The visit will be another milestone in the history of bilateral relations and is of great significance to build on past achievements and forge ahead,” he said.
Yao Wen added that during this visit, the prime minister will meet with Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents, and jointly announce major cooperation achievements.
The two sides will achieve new breakthroughs in pragmatic cooperation, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries. It has been proved that China is Bangladesh's most reliable partner and most trustworthy friend.
“This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into the bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, and promote new achievements in the Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevate the relationship to a new height,” he stated.
He also commented that “Over the past five years, China and Bangladesh have achieved remarkable achievements in their nation building, economic development and modernization drive. Through this visit, the two sides will further enhance coordination and cooperation on regional and international issues, jointly upholding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. China supports Bangladesh being a partner country of the Brics and hopes Bangladesh will be a member of the Brics at an early date.”
