China has reiterated its readiness to implement Bangladesh’s Teesta River project whenever Dhaka decides, while reaffirming support for BRICS membership, enhanced military cooperation, and stronger bilateral relations.
China stands ready to move forward with Bangladesh’s long-discussed Teesta River project as soon as Dhaka decides to proceed, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said on Thursday, describing the initiative as a sovereign Bangladeshi project.
Speaking at a briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on the recent China visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Yao said the implementation of the Teesta project could begin as quickly as Bangladesh wanted.
Responding to a question on whether India might have concerns over the project, the ambassador said, “The Teesta River project is Bangladesh’s own project.”
Yao said that while a Chinese institution had previously signed an understanding to conduct a feasibility study for the project, discussions had now advanced to the government-to-government level. He added that China had pledged to provide the highest level of technological support for river management as part of the project.
The ambassador also said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed several key issues during their meeting including the proposed “Two Plus Two” dialogue and military cooperation. According to Yao, those discussions would further strengthen mutual trust between the two countries.
He also said China had reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to secure membership in the BRICS grouping.
