Print: 30 Oct 2025
On 4 October 1975, China officially established diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. This year, in 2025, we are celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. Another dimension to the significance of this year is the celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of China.
Through successive high-level visits, China and Bangladesh have reiterated their commitment and eagerness to establish a strategic partnership to embark on a path of win-win cooperation. This has endured over a sustained period of time.
What does ‘strategic partnership’ mean?
Strategic cooperation is a partnership that is deemed to be a sustained one extending beyond the short term. It is a long-term partnership with the objective of a mutually beneficial agreement to achieve common goals, ideals and pursuits. This also encompasses sharing and pooling of the means and resources to achieve it. In a world often vitiated by transactional relationships, these partnerships go deeper beyond that. It requires deep trust, understanding and shared commitment. As we embark on this journey, we look forward towards a partnership that will endure and last over a sustained period of time.
At the state level, this significant event has been heralded by the highest leadership. The chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, has extended warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leadership and the people of China on this occasion. Dr Yunus described the relationship between Bangladesh and China as a “shining example before the world of how countries bound by friendship and mutual respect can achieve the greatest progress together.”
The chief adviser in his message remarked that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, cooperation has extended across such diverse fields that include trade, investment, infrastructure, education and cultural exchanges.
Partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative
Dr Yunus in his message recalled that Bangladesh was the first country to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He had expressed confidence that relations would continue to move forward, “bringing a future marked by peace, diversity and inclusivity”.
Alignment of Bangladesh-China interests and objectives
Increased foreign trade and investment promotion have always been priorities for Bangladesh. The interim government aims to reinforce Bangladesh’s foreign economic relations by creating a more investment-friendly climate, diversifying trade markets, intensifying and deepening existing beneficial economic partnerships and fostering strategic international partnerships. However, these partnerships should align with our interests, objectives and priorities.
Increased cooperation in the trade, energy and infrastructure sector
It is known that under the BRI, 35 development projects totalling around USD40 billion are currently under process. China is the largest economic and trade partner of Bangladesh. Chinese investments are very visible. Some projects implemented with Chinese investment include the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre and Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC), which are the symbols of Chinese friendship and cooperation. Moreover, the country’s first under-river tunnel in Chattogram, the first elevated expressway in Dhaka, the biggest sewerage treatment plant in South Asia at Dasherkandi, eight Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridges, the first IV Tier Data Centre and the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project were financed by the Chinese government. In addition, the Bangladesh Dream project, the Padma Bridge, was constructed by a Chinese company.
Chinese state-owned enterprises have also invested a huge amount mainly in the power sector that includes the Payra 1320 MW power plant, the Banshkhali 1320 MW power plants, etc.
For China, electronics, ICT services, telecommunications, renewable energy and automobiles, including EVs, are some of the lucrative sectors for investments in Bangladesh. Pharmaceuticals, leather and light engineering are also very prospective sectors.
Acknowledgement of China’s contribution
Dr Yunus praised China’s role as a strong advocate for the global South, highlighting its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025. He drew a comparison of this clean environmental pledge to his own three “Three Zeros”. In his message he expressed the hope that “together Bangladesh and China can help shape a fairer, greener and more sustainable world.”
Dwelling on the aspect of economic collaboration for collective gains and shared economic prosperity, Professor Yunus at the Boao Forum has emphasised the importance of taking concerted and collective actions in tackling financial instability, climate change and global tensions. This points to the increased need for countries in the South Asian region and also China to join hands together to face these challenges.
A Chinese perspective of the Golden Jubilee event
Dwelling on the multifaceted dimension of our relationship, the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen remarked, “In the face of new circumstances, the two countries should take the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh-China relations as an opportunity to enhance communication and coordination, deepen strategic mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly address common challenges.” He added, “Together Bangladesh and China can contribute to building a more just and equitable global governance system and work hand in hand to create a brighter future for humanity.”
Dominance of Asia over the supply chains and a possible strategy for our partnership
Bangladesh relies on the West for exports of its ready-made garments (RMG). In FY 24, Dhaka shipped $7.6 billion worth of goods to American markets, more than 17% of all exports. On the other hand, her exports to China, India and Russia totalled around 6%.
However, in terms of RMG input supply, it is a different picture altogether. China supplies USD16.6 billion in goods (26.24% of all imports). From textile inputs to energy and raw materials, Bangladesh’s supply chain is focused mainly on Asia, which includes China.
Analysts say that this asymmetry between inputs and outputs should give Dhaka a strategic advantage. With strong Asian supply chains and fairly predictable Western markets, Bangladesh is uniquely positioned to leverage both spheres.
However, even under a transformational landscape, the priority for Bangladesh would be to balance as she seeks partnerships in the trade and financial sectors.
China’s expanding global role and enhanced image
Political developments in China have placed it in a position to play a more engaging role with the developing countries, including the South. It has placed itself in a position of being a natural ally.From the Chinese side, it has been said that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) initiated by President Xi Jinping provides a “Chinese solution” to addressing global governance challenges. The objective of this initiative is to build a more just and equitable global governance system. Bangladesh has welcomed and appreciated this initiative.
China’s political directions and activism, especially in the recent past, provide a good basis for win-win cooperation. At the 18th Party Congress in 2012, the 18th Central Committee was widely credited for announcing a wide range of reform programmes on a scale unprecedented since the Deng era, including “comprehensively deepening reforms”, “ruling the country according to law”. After 2012, in comparison with the past strategy of keeping a low profile (KLP), the strategy of striving for achievement (SFA) had shown more efficiency in shaping a favourable environment for China’s national rejuvenation.
The spirit of free trade
Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has played an active role in economic globalisation, launching a new phase in its reform and opening-up efforts. Committed to the principle of free trade, China has made its trade policies more stable, transparent and predictable, substantially opened its markets, and made a positive contribution to upholding the effectiveness and authority of the multilateral trading system. This spirit of dialogue and inclusivity contributes towards the process of expanding on our strategic partnership.
Vaccine Cooperation: A friend in need is a friend indeed
In 2021, I was the ambassador of Bangladesh to China. With the wholehearted cooperation of the government of China, we applied for the much-needed vaccines produced by Sinopharm. During the COVID crisis, when despite a deal, India failed to provide their vaccines, China was at our side by supplying COVID vaccines and providing much-needed PPEs and hospital equipment. It swiftly offered 100,000 vaccine doses as a gift with an option to purchase more. Since March, Bangladesh had received nine million Sinopharm vaccine doses, with an additional 1.1 million doses as a gift. With the supplies, Bangladesh resumed its countrywide vaccine programme in July 2021 while simultaneously agreeing to procure a total of 60 million Sinopharm vaccines.
Even then, transporting those vaccines to Bangladesh turned out to be an uphill challenge, since China still had been following the zero-covid policy, and very few flights were allowed to fly to China. At that time, many of our Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ aircraft were sitting idle as several routes were closed. The government decided to use Biman’s aircraft to transport the vaccines. It was almost impossible to avail of a landing permit for flights. With our perseverance, we could eventually convince the host government, and, exceptionally, our Biman was given to operate nearly fifty chartered flights between Beijing/Tianjin and Dhaka. Over the next five months, we successfully ensured that around 77.5 million vaccines and syringes were transported to Bangladesh.
As we look forward, Bangladesh has to embark on a balanced and proactive foreign policy. With the demise of the Cold War era, Bangladesh has to look for reliable and sustainable partners. Without compromising our objectives and priorities, we have to work hand in hand with our partners. Bangladesh has to steer clear of ideological rifts and trade wars and has to pursue a middle course. In the area of collective arrangements and alliances, we have to ensure that such collective arrangements are broad-based and inclusive. Without openness and inclusivity, rivalries and tensions may accelerate. In fact, no security and defence architecture in Asia could be complete and effective without the participation of Asian countries, especially those who have a major stake in the region. Bangladesh is set to graduate from her Least Developed Country status. Therefore, it is a reality that we have to gradually lessen our reliance on external aid and assistance. As we graduate, we will not be receiving the special trade concessions and facilities for LDCs. And this is where our self-reliance strategy has to be implemented speedily. Based on this reality, as we assess our bilateral relations with China, some key words have to be emphasised. These are “strategic, long-term, prosperous, mutually beneficial and sustainable”.
So, there is huge untapped potential for collaboration between Bangladesh and China. The areas could be stated as follows:
Poverty eradication: China has had huge success in the field of poverty eradication. We can learn from the Chinese experience in our endeavour to reduce income and wealth disparities. This is also true for building a discrimination-free society, thereby contributing to a just and equitable international order.
Trade and investment: To help address Bangladesh’s trade deficit with China, Beijing has offered zero-tariff access for 98% of Bangladeshi goods until 2028, extending the benefit beyond Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are also in progress.
Digital economy: China is assisting Bangladesh in building a digitalised Bangladesh and developing a digital infrastructure. This includes exploring a joint digital innovation lab and bolstering cooperation in cloud computing and ICT.
Water management: Under this, we have several projects. Chinese companies have been invited to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) to help with flood control and sustainable water management. The country is also providing technical support for a 50-year master plan for water management, including river dredging and flood prevention measures.
Green economy and conservation of the environment: Both countries have agreed to explore cooperation in marine resource management, ecological protection and green, low-carbon development.
Rohingya crisis: China could play a constructive role in the repatriation process of the 1.1 million Rohingyas. China has pledged to continue its support and constructive role in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
China has acknowledged that Bangladesh and China are both Comprehensive Strategic Partners. There are huge scopes and potential for our relations to grow and deepen in many areas, as has been enumerated in the article. It can be said that while we strive to implement our national development strategies, cooperation, respect and mutual understanding shall remain the basic tenets and foundation upon which our peoples will grow together and prosper collectively.
The writer is a former Ambassador of Bangladesh to China
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More From China Day Special
More From China Day Special
Bridges and bonds: Bangladesh-China strategic cooperation
On 4 October 1975, China officially established diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. This year, in 2025, we are celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. Another dimension to the significance of this year is the celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of China.
Through successive high-level visits, China and Bangladesh have reiterated their commitment and eagerness to establish a strategic partnership to embark on a path of win-win cooperation. This has endured over a sustained period of time.
What does ‘strategic partnership’ mean?
Strategic cooperation is a partnership that is deemed to be a sustained one extending beyond the short term. It is a long-term partnership with the objective of a mutually beneficial agreement to achieve common goals, ideals and pursuits. This also encompasses sharing and pooling of the means and resources to achieve it. In a world often vitiated by transactional relationships, these partnerships go deeper beyond that. It requires deep trust, understanding and shared commitment. As we embark on this journey, we look forward towards a partnership that will endure and last over a sustained period of time.
At the state level, this significant event has been heralded by the highest leadership. The chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, has extended warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leadership and the people of China on this occasion. Dr Yunus described the relationship between Bangladesh and China as a “shining example before the world of how countries bound by friendship and mutual respect can achieve the greatest progress together.”
The chief adviser in his message remarked that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, cooperation has extended across such diverse fields that include trade, investment, infrastructure, education and cultural exchanges.
Partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative
Dr Yunus in his message recalled that Bangladesh was the first country to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He had expressed confidence that relations would continue to move forward, “bringing a future marked by peace, diversity and inclusivity”.
Alignment of Bangladesh-China interests and objectives
Increased foreign trade and investment promotion have always been priorities for Bangladesh. The interim government aims to reinforce Bangladesh’s foreign economic relations by creating a more investment-friendly climate, diversifying trade markets, intensifying and deepening existing beneficial economic partnerships and fostering strategic international partnerships. However, these partnerships should align with our interests, objectives and priorities.
Increased cooperation in the trade, energy and infrastructure sector
It is known that under the BRI, 35 development projects totalling around USD40 billion are currently under process. China is the largest economic and trade partner of Bangladesh. Chinese investments are very visible. Some projects implemented with Chinese investment include the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre and Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC), which are the symbols of Chinese friendship and cooperation. Moreover, the country’s first under-river tunnel in Chattogram, the first elevated expressway in Dhaka, the biggest sewerage treatment plant in South Asia at Dasherkandi, eight Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridges, the first IV Tier Data Centre and the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project were financed by the Chinese government. In addition, the Bangladesh Dream project, the Padma Bridge, was constructed by a Chinese company.
Chinese state-owned enterprises have also invested a huge amount mainly in the power sector that includes the Payra 1320 MW power plant, the Banshkhali 1320 MW power plants, etc.
For China, electronics, ICT services, telecommunications, renewable energy and automobiles, including EVs, are some of the lucrative sectors for investments in Bangladesh. Pharmaceuticals, leather and light engineering are also very prospective sectors.
Acknowledgement of China’s contribution
Dr Yunus praised China’s role as a strong advocate for the global South, highlighting its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025. He drew a comparison of this clean environmental pledge to his own three “Three Zeros”. In his message he expressed the hope that “together Bangladesh and China can help shape a fairer, greener and more sustainable world.”
Dwelling on the aspect of economic collaboration for collective gains and shared economic prosperity, Professor Yunus at the Boao Forum has emphasised the importance of taking concerted and collective actions in tackling financial instability, climate change and global tensions. This points to the increased need for countries in the South Asian region and also China to join hands together to face these challenges.
A Chinese perspective of the Golden Jubilee event
Dwelling on the multifaceted dimension of our relationship, the Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen remarked, “In the face of new circumstances, the two countries should take the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh-China relations as an opportunity to enhance communication and coordination, deepen strategic mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly address common challenges.” He added, “Together Bangladesh and China can contribute to building a more just and equitable global governance system and work hand in hand to create a brighter future for humanity.”
Dominance of Asia over the supply chains and a possible strategy for our partnership
Bangladesh relies on the West for exports of its ready-made garments (RMG). In FY 24, Dhaka shipped $7.6 billion worth of goods to American markets, more than 17% of all exports. On the other hand, her exports to China, India and Russia totalled around 6%.
However, in terms of RMG input supply, it is a different picture altogether. China supplies USD16.6 billion in goods (26.24% of all imports). From textile inputs to energy and raw materials, Bangladesh’s supply chain is focused mainly on Asia, which includes China.
Analysts say that this asymmetry between inputs and outputs should give Dhaka a strategic advantage. With strong Asian supply chains and fairly predictable Western markets, Bangladesh is uniquely positioned to leverage both spheres.
However, even under a transformational landscape, the priority for Bangladesh would be to balance as she seeks partnerships in the trade and financial sectors.
China’s expanding global role and enhanced image
Political developments in China have placed it in a position to play a more engaging role with the developing countries, including the South. It has placed itself in a position of being a natural ally.From the Chinese side, it has been said that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) initiated by President Xi Jinping provides a “Chinese solution” to addressing global governance challenges. The objective of this initiative is to build a more just and equitable global governance system. Bangladesh has welcomed and appreciated this initiative.
China’s political directions and activism, especially in the recent past, provide a good basis for win-win cooperation. At the 18th Party Congress in 2012, the 18th Central Committee was widely credited for announcing a wide range of reform programmes on a scale unprecedented since the Deng era, including “comprehensively deepening reforms”, “ruling the country according to law”. After 2012, in comparison with the past strategy of keeping a low profile (KLP), the strategy of striving for achievement (SFA) had shown more efficiency in shaping a favourable environment for China’s national rejuvenation.
The spirit of free trade
Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has played an active role in economic globalisation, launching a new phase in its reform and opening-up efforts. Committed to the principle of free trade, China has made its trade policies more stable, transparent and predictable, substantially opened its markets, and made a positive contribution to upholding the effectiveness and authority of the multilateral trading system. This spirit of dialogue and inclusivity contributes towards the process of expanding on our strategic partnership.
Vaccine Cooperation: A friend in need is a friend indeed
In 2021, I was the ambassador of Bangladesh to China. With the wholehearted cooperation of the government of China, we applied for the much-needed vaccines produced by Sinopharm. During the COVID crisis, when despite a deal, India failed to provide their vaccines, China was at our side by supplying COVID vaccines and providing much-needed PPEs and hospital equipment. It swiftly offered 100,000 vaccine doses as a gift with an option to purchase more. Since March, Bangladesh had received nine million Sinopharm vaccine doses, with an additional 1.1 million doses as a gift. With the supplies, Bangladesh resumed its countrywide vaccine programme in July 2021 while simultaneously agreeing to procure a total of 60 million Sinopharm vaccines.
Even then, transporting those vaccines to Bangladesh turned out to be an uphill challenge, since China still had been following the zero-covid policy, and very few flights were allowed to fly to China. At that time, many of our Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ aircraft were sitting idle as several routes were closed. The government decided to use Biman’s aircraft to transport the vaccines. It was almost impossible to avail of a landing permit for flights. With our perseverance, we could eventually convince the host government, and, exceptionally, our Biman was given to operate nearly fifty chartered flights between Beijing/Tianjin and Dhaka. Over the next five months, we successfully ensured that around 77.5 million vaccines and syringes were transported to Bangladesh.
As we look forward, Bangladesh has to embark on a balanced and proactive foreign policy. With the demise of the Cold War era, Bangladesh has to look for reliable and sustainable partners. Without compromising our objectives and priorities, we have to work hand in hand with our partners. Bangladesh has to steer clear of ideological rifts and trade wars and has to pursue a middle course. In the area of collective arrangements and alliances, we have to ensure that such collective arrangements are broad-based and inclusive. Without openness and inclusivity, rivalries and tensions may accelerate. In fact, no security and defence architecture in Asia could be complete and effective without the participation of Asian countries, especially those who have a major stake in the region. Bangladesh is set to graduate from her Least Developed Country status. Therefore, it is a reality that we have to gradually lessen our reliance on external aid and assistance. As we graduate, we will not be receiving the special trade concessions and facilities for LDCs. And this is where our self-reliance strategy has to be implemented speedily. Based on this reality, as we assess our bilateral relations with China, some key words have to be emphasised. These are “strategic, long-term, prosperous, mutually beneficial and sustainable”.
So, there is huge untapped potential for collaboration between Bangladesh and China. The areas could be stated as follows:
Poverty eradication: China has had huge success in the field of poverty eradication. We can learn from the Chinese experience in our endeavour to reduce income and wealth disparities. This is also true for building a discrimination-free society, thereby contributing to a just and equitable international order.
Trade and investment: To help address Bangladesh’s trade deficit with China, Beijing has offered zero-tariff access for 98% of Bangladeshi goods until 2028, extending the benefit beyond Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are also in progress.
Digital economy: China is assisting Bangladesh in building a digitalised Bangladesh and developing a digital infrastructure. This includes exploring a joint digital innovation lab and bolstering cooperation in cloud computing and ICT.
Water management: Under this, we have several projects. Chinese companies have been invited to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) to help with flood control and sustainable water management. The country is also providing technical support for a 50-year master plan for water management, including river dredging and flood prevention measures.
Green economy and conservation of the environment: Both countries have agreed to explore cooperation in marine resource management, ecological protection and green, low-carbon development.
Rohingya crisis: China could play a constructive role in the repatriation process of the 1.1 million Rohingyas. China has pledged to continue its support and constructive role in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
China has acknowledged that Bangladesh and China are both Comprehensive Strategic Partners. There are huge scopes and potential for our relations to grow and deepen in many areas, as has been enumerated in the article. It can be said that while we strive to implement our national development strategies, cooperation, respect and mutual understanding shall remain the basic tenets and foundation upon which our peoples will grow together and prosper collectively.
The writer is a former Ambassador of Bangladesh to China