“I am most impressed by the friendly sentiment of the Bangladeshi people towards China. In their warm and sincere eyes, I felt that the China-Bangladesh friendship is an expression of people’s sincere interest. I have full confidence in the bright future of China-Bangladesh relations.”
– Yao Wen (Newly Appointed Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh)
Diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh were established in January 1976 [1]; however, Bangladesh’s relations with China are not of a few days or ages. This bond and this friendship date back centuries. Many of us are aware that Atish Dipankar of Vikrampur visited China around a thousand years ago. He traveled there and imparted Bengali culture to the people of China. Atish Dipankar died in Tibet in 1054, and as a gesture of friendship, China returned his ashes to Bangladesh in 1978.
The interaction between the two nations reached a special level in the Middle Ages when the Sultanate of Bengal was an autonomous state. The Ilyashahi Sultans sent 14 missions to China in the 34 years between 1404 and 1439, and four sizable missions arrived at Muluk-i-Bangala by sea from China. Bengal was initially given the Chinese name “Pang Ge La” at that time; however, it eventually changed to its current name, “Mung Chia La.” The Ming Dynasty, the final Han Dynasty, ruled China during the period. Giraffes transported from Africa were delivered as gifts, and messages written on gold leaf were conveyed as marks of friendship from Muluk-i-Bangala to the Ming emperor Yung Li. The Muluk-i-Bangala was also recorded by Ming Emperor Yung Lek in a number of papers. History of Ming Dynasty Courts According to the chronicle recorded in the fourteenth volume of the Ming Shi Lu, Emperor Yongle personally sent a royal messenger bearing expensive gifts to the Sultan Yi Pu La Jin (Ibrahim Sharqi) of nearby Jaunpur, who had repeatedly attacked Muluk-i-Bangala and disrupted the peace. to act politely toward Muluk-i-Bangala, one’s neighbors. Though the great Emperor Yongle is no longer with us, even after six centuries, the People’s Republic of China has stuck to the advice he offered to support neighbors in times of need.
The partnership between China and Bangladesh is not new. The Chinese Prime Minister, Chou En Lai, made two trips to Dhaka in the 1950s and 1960s of the previous century. During that period, Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, made two trips to China. Senior leaders from both nations cultivated the seed of friendship even before formal diplomatic connections between China and Bangladesh were established. That tree is known to have very deep roots, and it has grown to be very large today. China has provided us with 24 billion dollars in help over the past five years, while the West has not done so for the previous fifty [2]. The most accurate ideological assessment of China is that the country has not embraced a neoliberal capitalist economic system; rather, equality has been achieved through concurrently planned development and distribution systems. The Communist Party of China’s visionary leadership, particularly that of Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping, made this possible.
Bangladesh and China’s cooperative partnership is evolving daily and beginning to take on more facets. The partnership, which in the 1980s was limited to project collaboration, has since expanded into numerous other industries. Apart from the government’s involvement, a significant number of private Chinese investors are present in the nation. “Enhancing Interconnection” is the fifth and most significant goal of the “One Region, One Road” plan; thus, this is a positive thing. Increasing people-to-people contact between the two nations purely through government activities is challenging. The business sector ought to step forward in this situation. The trip in that direction has been initiated by private Chinese investors. The government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has also expressed interest in this matter; the government is also constructing a Chinese industrial zone in Chittagong, in addition to a hundred EPZs throughout the country [3]. Already in recent years, the number of people coming to learn Chinese in Bangladeshi language education institutions has expanded [4]. Due to increasing demand, private initiative has resulted in the establishment of several language-teaching institutions throughout the country. Ordinary people no longer regard China as an unknown, distant country.
China has strengthened bilateral ties with Bangladesh by actively participating in multiple infrastructure projects, which have also greatly contributed to Bangladesh’s economic growth. This is a thorough article that covers some of China’s previous and current projects in Bangladesh, as well as their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Infrastructure Projects
- Padma Bridge Construction: China is a key contributor to the construction of Bangladesh’s biggest infrastructure project, the Padma The project’s goal is to connect the country’s impoverished southern region to Dhaka, hence promoting economic growth and connectivity.
- Payra Power Plant: China has been actively involved in the development of the Payra Power Plant, which is a significant step toward meeting Bangladesh’s expanding energy demands. The power plant is intended to increase the country’s energy capacity and support industrial expansion.
- Dhaka-Sylhet Highway: China has played a crucial role in upgrading the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, improving connectivity and transportation efficiency between these two vital cities.
ICT Infrastructure Development: China has been contributing to the development of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in Bangladesh, fostering advancements in the digital landscape.
China’s Assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Medical Supplies and Equipment: During the height of the pandemic, China provided Bangladesh with essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, and
- Vaccine Cooperation: China has been actively collaborating with Bangladesh in the field of vaccine distribution. During the Corona outbreak, when capitalist countries were preoccupied with their concerns or turned their backs on Bangladesh, they lent a helping hand. The Bangladesh Health Department’s first immunization plan said that the vaccine program would cover 80 percent of the
country’s population. This entails providing vaccinations to 13.5 million people. To vaccinate them all in two doses, 27 million doses were required.
- Sharing Expertise and Experience: China has shared its experience in handling the pandemic, providing valuable insights and expertise to Bangladesh in managing and mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
- Humanitarian Aid: In addition to medical support, China has extended humanitarian aid to assist vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic, showcasing a strong bond of friendship and
In addition to this, the following three terms best sum up the relationship between Bangladesh and China:
The first term stands for friendliness. The alliance between China and Bangladesh was formed by the two nations’ senior leaders and has always been overseen and guided by the two countries’ top leaders. On the occasion of Bangabandhu’s 100th birth anniversary and Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of independence in March 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a special video message of congratulations [5]. In July of the same year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a video greeting thanking General Secretary Xi Jinping on the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s founding [6].
The second term is cooperation. The cornerstone and assurance of China-Bangladesh relations have always been extensive and varied collaboration. As far as South Asia goes, Bangladesh is the first to endorse the “One Belt, One Road” concept. With the combined efforts of China and Bangladesh, the building of infrastructure associated with the ‘One Belt, One Road’ has enhanced connectivity, improved Bangladesh’s state, and provided genuine welfare for the people of the two nations. It is now the route for progress, prosperity, and the benefit of the populace.
Lastly, the third term is probability. China has fulfilled its first centenary goal and is now moving forward to its second centenary goal of becoming a comprehensive socialist, strong modern country.
Our health department was almost stuck at one point due to an unusual surge in the number of COVID-19 infections and vaccination diplomacy. China stepped up to assist Bangladesh at the time. So far, China’s Sinopharm vaccine has been the primary source of our country’s COVID-19 vaccine [7]. China’s initiative is unquestionably praiseworthy. We know that following the coronavirus epidemic, a major door has opened for international cooperation in the health and medical sectors through China’s “Health Silk Route” project.
This year celebrates the tenth anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s “One Belt, One Road” concept, as well as Bangladesh’s seventh year of membership in the initiative. Over the last seven years, “One Belt, One Road” has offered a new driving force for Bangladesh’s economy, contributing to the growth of the people’s livelihoods. The implementation of the third project of the government of Bangladesh’s infrastructure net
was finished in 2020. In 2021, the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center has been officially handed over. It is Bangladesh’s largest exhibition center. The Payra coal-fired power plant was formally inaugurated in 2022.
As South Asia’s pioneer, the entire nation has access to electricity. The nation now has operational wastewater treatment facilities. It is South Asia’s biggest water treatment facility. Following the completion of Padma Bridge, the “dream bridge” of the Bangladeshi people was inaugurated. The annual GDP growth of Bangladesh will benefit from this bridge by 1.23 percentage points [8].
China is aware of Bangladesh’s stance on the Rohingya problem and, as always, has handled this situation fairly. A resolution against Myanmar was adopted by the UN Security Council in December of last year because China chose not to vote on it. China has demonstrated via its actual actions that it bases its decisions always on the relevant facts. China has been trying its best to create an environment for the repatriation of the Rohingyas, which Bangladesh and the international community are watching. Wang Yi, the foreign minister and state counselor, traveled to Bangladesh in August of last year. He has long had in-depth conversations with Bangladesh’s leaders. Before him, two Chinese ambassadors worked nonstop to get the Rohingyas back home. They also made multiple trips to camps housing Rohingya. It is anticipated that China will keep giving Bangladesh as much support and assistance as it can. China and Bangladesh will expand their mutual assistance and cooperative partnerships in several areas, such as women and children, women and children fighting climate change, vocational training, treatment and health, and disaster prevention and mitigation.
To put it briefly, a lot of individuals view Chinese project loans as a “debt trap.” To start with, when it comes to financing, China never compromises on these three points, which are collectively referred to as “San Kung” in Chinese. These are “Kung Shang” (discuss together) and “Kung Jian” (construct together). & ‘Kung Xiang’ (joining or relishing in outcomes together). Because all of the work is done here through bilateral chats, it is not at all the case that someone will trick someone or set up a trap. Ultimately, Chinese financial institutions don’t operate until our nation’s knowledgeable economists and pertinent authorities approve a proposal following a thorough review. It should be noted that no one Chinese financial institution offers loans in this situation; rather, depending on the project’s magnitude, one or more foreign organizations, like the Asia Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB), New Development Bank (NDB), etc., are involved. Above all, as the project is being handled collaboratively in partnership-based initiatives, there are no such dangers in this case given the public-private partnership (PPP) philosophy of our government. Bangladesh-China Power Company Limited is a prime example in this instance.
The terms of friendliness, cooperation, and probability encapsulate the essence of China-Bangladesh relations. With consistent assistance and cooperation in several fields, this friendship has endured the test of time and promoted growth, well-being, and reciprocal gain. China is resolute in its support of Bangladesh’s development as it moves closer to its second centennial target.
Finally, the relationship between China and Bangladesh is evidence of the two countries’ shared ideals, regard for one another, and sincere goodwill, not just a formal alliance. Infrastructure, healthcare, and other sectors have achieved significant progress, demonstrating a relationship that goes beyond words and helps the people of both nations in real and concrete ways.
Reference
- http://20.244.136.131/expert-speak/41935-decoding-china-bangladesh-relationship
- https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-bangladesh-24-billion-dollar-boost-after-india-xi- jinping-346476-2016-10-14
- https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/china-fast-track-construction-its-economic-zone- ctg-1937345
4. https://www.tbsnews.net/feature/pursuit/why-should-you-learn-chinese-175873
- https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/gjhdq_665435/2675_665437/2681_663366/2683_663370/ 202103/t20210318_10404273.html
- https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/pm-greets-chinese-leaders-founding-anniversary-hopes- stronger-cooperation-310090
- https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/09/asia/uae-china-vaccine-intl-hnk/index.html
- https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/celebrating-one-year-the-padma- bridge/news/achieve-optimal-results-the-padma-bridge-we-need-transform-it-transportation- corridor-economic
THE END
Writer: S.M. SAYEM
Institution: University of Chittagong
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