The last time a Bangladeshi head of government visited China, which incidentally happened to be just before the July Uprising that uprooted the then-government, they had to curtail the trip and come home early. This was widely speculated to have been caused by the denial of an exclusive audience with the Chinese president. The snub would not have been out of order, after the last government consistently playing off China and India against each other, before coming down on the side of Delhi.

Although cautious at first on how the Uprising in Bangladesh affected Chinese interests, what Beijung has since shown is a flexibility in news approach, that ultimately the Indians may be left to envy. They (New Delhi) have adapted the view that simply because it was a revolt against the self-appointed vanguards of secular values in Bangladesh, it represented an extremist wave that threatened India's security as well. To this day, they seem unable to move away from this view.

The Chinese, on the other hand, adopted a wait-and-see approach. Although initially aloof, soon we saw the Chinese ambassador swinging into action, going out of his way to engage with all the different political actors now present and active on the ground, to see if Beijing could work with them. The bilateral portion of this week's visit to China by the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, represented largely the fruit of his labours.

Bangladesh secured a commitment of $2.1 billion in Chinese investments, loans and grants from the Chinese government and its companies during the "milestone" visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to China, officials said.

Bangladeshi officials and Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen said nearly 30 Chinese companies have pledged to invest one billion dollars in the exclusive Chinese Industrial Economic Zone after the chief adviser urged private enterprises to invest in the manufacturing sector in Bangladesh.

China has also planned to lend some $400 million in the Mongla port modernisation project, some $350 million in the development of the China Industrial Economic Zone and another $150 million as technical assistance. The rest of the amount would come as grants and other forms of lending.

"It is a milestone visit," Chinese envoy Yao Wen said, referring to the chief adviser's four-day-long first bilateral tour of China.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall in Beijing, where they discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. President Xi and Dr Yunus also discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to new heights, while protecting each other's mutual and strategic interests.

The two sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations.

At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. Xi Jinping said China would give a positive consideration to a host of important issues raised by Bangladesh.

They included reduction of the interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told our sister newsagency UNB, describing the talks between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as a "hugely successful" bilateral meeting.

Alam said the talks were "comprehensive, fruitful and constructive, marked by warmth".

President Xi reiterated China's support to the Chief Adviser and the interim government, said the Press Secretary.

"It was Prof Yunus's first bilateral foreign tour, and so far, it has been a "grand" success," Alam said.

During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there.

President Xi spoke about his two tours to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit when he was the governor of Fujian province.

During the meeting, Yunus focused on the Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar.

President Xi said China would encourage Chinese investment to Bangladesh and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh. The Chinese President also said he tried Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit.

"They are delicious. Bangladesh is expected to export the two fruits to China in a big way in the coming months," Alam quoted President Xi as saying.

Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues.

They discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing's mutual and strategic interests.

Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations.

The Chief Adviser was set to further participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes -- Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese.

Meanwhile, Yao Wang, Vice-Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a semi-governmental organization that promotes China's trade and economic relations with other countries, met Chief Adviser Yunus at The Presidential, Beijing, China on Friday.

The CA also took part in an Investment Dialogue with Chinese business leaders at The Presidential in Beijing. Dr Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Dr Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport. Kids also greeted him with flowers.

The Chief Adviser earlier spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, the 'Davos of the East' and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Friday was the third day of the trip. On Saturday morning, the Chief Adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate.

After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Chief Adviser will deliver a speech to the audience. The Chief Adviser will attend a dinner to be hosted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to China, before flying back that night.

Agreements signed

Apart from the talks between Xi and Yunus on Friday, Bangladesh and China signed nine instruments, including an agreement on "economic and technical cooperation" between the two governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, on news exchange and media and the health sector.

The two countries signed eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Besides, five announcements were made on the launching of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port, the building of a robot physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle, he said.

The two sides spoke positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River, i.e. The Brahmaputra.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), according to the joint media statement issued after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.

The two sides underscored the importance to initiate negotiations on the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimising the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.

The two sides agreed to realise the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce as soon as possible.

China welcomed Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China. Bangladesh reaffirmed its readiness to create a favorable investment environment for Chinese companies.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.

The two countries agreed to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue economy cooperation. The two sides also agreed to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.

A friendship at 50

They agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025. It was decided to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, health care and youth, and between local governments and think tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province, and commended the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and appreciates the Global Development Initiative.

Bangladesh also took note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Both sides agreed to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.

The joint statement noted that the year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations.

Both the countries will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. They also agreed to keep strengthening coordination within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.

Chief Adviser Dr Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Bangladesh appreciated China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.

China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people from Rakhine State, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding among others a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation to the best of its capabilities.

At the invitation of the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan, China from 26 to 27 March 2025, and then at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chief Adviser is visiting Beijing from 27 to 29 March 2025.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached extensive consensus.

The Chinese side welcomed the interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and noted the reform and progress made by the interim government since August 2024. The Bangladesh side thanked the Government of the People's Republic of China for welcoming the interim government of Bangladesh and extending necessary support to carry forward bilateral relations.

Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance. They also agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape.

The two sides agreed to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples. The two countries reaffirmed their mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

China consistently adheres to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

China has always followed a policy of good neighborliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity.

The two sides stressed that the authority of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence." Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernisation in both countries.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the long-standing and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and spoke highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.

China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textile and garment, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.

Focus on water

The Chief Adviser sought a fifty-year masterplan from China to manage the river and water system in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers. He made the call when Li Guoying, water resources minister of China, met him at a state guest house in Beijing on the third day of his four-day visit to the Asian country.

Professor Yunus praised the Chinese water and flood management system, saying the country has done wonders in managing some of the intractable water issues.

"We have the same problem that you have. So, we'll be happy if you share your experiences," the Chief Adviser told the Chinese minister.

"Bangladesh is a delta country; we have a country crisscrossed with hundreds of rivers. Water gives us life, but sometimes it becomes an enemy. Now that the population has increased manifold, we have to remain careful what kind of damages it causes to the ecosystem," he added.

Calling China the master of water management, the Chief Adviser said that Bangladesh has a lot to learn from the country and urged China to share the vision of President Xi Jinping in water management with the country.

"We have come here to learn from you: how we can make water resources useful to people," he said. The Chief Adviser said that the increase of population and demand for development are people grabbing lands by riversides. The same demand has increased in upper riparian India, he said, adding that siltation was also causing a problem creating land in the middle of rivers, sinking them sometimes, leading them to death.

The Chinese minister acknowledged that China and Bangladesh share a similar challenge in water management. He promised technical support and expertise to Bangladesh.

"To manage water is a key management issue for Bangladesh; China is facing similar challenges," he said, acknowledging that 85 percent of Bangladesh's people live in flood-prone plains, which has made water management complicated for the country.

He said that President Xi has put forward a master plan for China which the country was using to overcome the challenges in water management.

"We need your help to design the plan for us," the chief adviser said.

The Chief Adviser added that Bangladesh's problem lies not just with one river but with the system. He mentioned the Teesta River System and cleaning the polluted water in rivers surrounding Dhaka for particular help.