Staff Correspondent:

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is not involved in the “so-called humanitarian corridor” issue, stressing that China always respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country.

“For the corridor issue – so called humanitarian corridor, I should say China is not involved. As far as my understanding is concerned, it is an initiative by the United Nations agencies to provide humanitarian supplies to Rakhine State for the people affected by the conflict, China is not involved in this matter,” he said while responding to a question after delivering a country lecture.

The Ambassador said they are not interfering in any internal affairs of any country and hoped Bangladesh and Myanmar can properly solve the issue over the Rohingya through peaceful dialogue, and promote the process of repatriation.

Responding to a question on the updates of Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), the Chinese envoy referred to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping where it was mentioned that Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the project.

“I should say China remains ready. We are willing to offer our help. Now it is up to Bangladesh to make a decision whether Bangladesh wants to move forward,” said Ambassador Yao.

Referring to whether it can be done through bilaterally, trilaterally or international consortium, it is truly Bangladesh’s decision how it will proceed with this project.

“China will respect the decision made by Bangladesh. I wish this project can be started as soon as possible. That’s what I want to say,” said Ambassador Yao.

Earlier, delivering his country lecture, the envoy said China champions a multi-polar world where sovereign equality is paramount. “Every nation, regardless of size, strength or wealth, deserves full respect for its sovereignty and dignity.”

He said no country shall interfere in others’ internal affairs, and all states have the fundamental right to independently choose their social systems and paths of development, said Ambassador Yao.

“China and Bangladesh have always respected each other. As an independent sovereign state, Bangladesh must be free from external interference,” he said, adding that the Bangladeshi people have the right to determine their own path of development.

The envoy said China has consistently and firmly supported Bangladesh in upholding its independence, sovereignty, and national dignity, as well as in pursuing a modernization path suited to its national conditions.

In turn, he said, Bangladesh has steadfastly upheld the one-China principle, rejected the so-called “Taiwan independence,” and adhered to the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs.

The envoy said China-Bangladesh relations have withstood the test of international turmoil and evolving political situations in Bangladesh, and has since gained strong momentum.

“The secret ingredient is equality and mutual respect. These principles will continue to be enshrined in our future relations,” he added.

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the country lecture on ‘Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Towards a New Height’ at the BIISS auditorium.

BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome remarks while its Chairman AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, Bangladesh Imtiaz Ahmed made a presentation.