China-Bangladesh Friendship: A Blueprint for Success Since 1976

The relationship between China-Bangladesh serves as a remarkable example of international friendship, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations for development. Over the decades, this bond has strengthened across various sectors, including economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and geopolitical partnership.​

Historical Foundations

The diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh were officially established in January 1976, marking the beginning of a partnership grounded in mutual respect and equality. Despite initial geopolitical complexities, both nations prioritized fostering a relationship based on shared interests and common goals.​

Economic Collaboration: A Pillar of Partnership

Economic cooperation stands as a cornerstone of the China-Bangladesh relationship. China has emerged as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade witnessing significant growth over the years. In 2020, China granted duty-free access to 97% of Bangladeshi products, covering 8,256 items. This initiative opened new avenues for Bangladeshi exporters, particularly in the textile sector, to penetrate the vast Chinese market.​

However, the trade balance remains tilted in favor of China, with Bangladesh’s imports from China far exceeding its exports. Addressing this trade imbalance is crucial for ensuring sustainable economic relations.​

Country comparison

Infrastructure Development: Building the Future Together

China has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. Collaborative projects, such as the construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge over the Buriganga River, symbolize the tangible benefits of this partnership. Additionally, China’s involvement in developing Bangladesh’s energy sector, including proposals for constructing nuclear power plants, underscores a shared commitment to addressing energy challenges.​

Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Strengthening People-to-People Ties

Beyond economic and infrastructural collaborations, cultural and educational exchanges have significantly contributed to deepening the friendship between the two nations. Initiatives like the “Bangladesh-China Friendship Year” celebrated in 2005 highlighted the cultural affinities and mutual appreciation between the peoples of both countries. Furthermore, increasing numbers of Bangladeshi students are pursuing higher education in China, fostering academic collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.​

Geopolitical Cooperation: Navigating Regional Dynamics

In the geopolitical arena, China and Bangladesh have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual support and cooperation. Bangladesh’s inclusion of China as an observer in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) exemplifies Dhaka’s recognition of Beijing’s growing influence in regional affairs. Both countries have collaborated on various international platforms, reflecting a shared vision for regional stability and development.​Over the past year, a remarkable new chapter has been written in head-of-state diplomacy, which has steered the trend of the times toward peace, development, and win-win cooperation. Breakthroughs have been made in building a community with a shared future for mankind, which has shaped the historical trend toward a shared future and greater solidarity in our global village. We have provided new opportunities for the world with Chinese modernisation, which has promoted the development trend of modernisation in countries around the world. China’s cooperation with other developing countries has set a fine example, which has reinforced the trend of uniting for strength within the Global South. China has made new progress in pursuing all-round diplomacy, which has built up the trend toward a new type of international relations.Facing the future, China will continue to bear in mind the larger picture, shoulder responsibilities for the greater good, and advance the right and just cause. We will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, and do our best to promote world peace, tranquillity, and the common progress of humanity.

HE Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, points out that China and Bangladesh are friendly neighbours who know each other well. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals, and cooperated for win-win results, setting an example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, especially among Global South countries. Honourable Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said that Bangladesh and he himself have forged long-standing friendly ties with China. This year, under the guidance of the top leadership of the two sides, and with the firm support of the two peoples, China-Bangladesh relations have continued to develop, and the profound friendship between the peoples has grown even stronger. This year, the China-Bangladesh relationship withstood the test of drastic political changes in Bangladesh, maintained the momentum of development, and demonstrated great resilience and vitality.

Mutual respect and trust are the solid foundation of the China-Bangladesh relationship. As the Bangladeshi proverb says, “Friendship is not a rope, but a bond of hearts,” true friendship is not based on external constraints, but on an inner connection. China has always supported Bangladesh in pursuing an independent foreign policy, following a path of development in line with its national conditions, safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and opposing any external interference. China respects the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people and pursues a policy of friendship and good neighbourliness towards all Bangladeshi people. No matter how the domestic situation in Bangladesh may evolve, the core of the China-Bangladesh relationship, which is based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, will not change; the foundation of friendship between the two peoples will not change; and the determination of the two governments and people of all sectors in the two countries to support and promote the development of bilateral relations will not change. China sincerely hopes that, under the guidance of the interim government led by Honourable Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the reforms will proceed, the political situation will stabilise, the economy will flourish, and people’s livelihoods will continue to improve.

Addressing Challenges: A Path Forward

While the China-Bangladesh relationship has witnessed significant progress, it is not without challenges. Concerns regarding trade imbalances and the terms of financial assistance have sparked discussions about ensuring equitable and sustainable cooperation. Transparent dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to address these issues and strengthen the foundation of this partnership.​

Conclusion

The friendship between China and Bangladesh stands as a testament to the power of mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations. As both nations continue to collaborate across various sectors, their partnership serves as a model for international relations based on equality and mutual benefit. By addressing challenges transparently and fostering deeper ties, China and Bangladesh can look forward to a future of continued cooperation and shared prosperity.​China has always been an important member of the Global South. We have been committed to promoting unity and revitalisation of the Global South, promoting the cause of global development, and ensuring no country is left behind on the path to modernisation. President Xi Jinping called for more open and inclusive Global South cooperation and announced eight measures in support of Global South cooperation. We have made substantive progress in promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in light of the urgent needs of many countries. With 155 countries joining the big family of Belt and Road cooperation, this road to happiness is growing ever broader. Given the widening development deficit, President Xi Jinping announced at the G20 Summit China’s eight actions to support global development, which include strengthening cooperation with other countries in key areas such as poverty reduction, food security, and scientific and technological innovation.