China has reiterated its commitment to enhancing relations with Bangladesh, ahead of the visit of Bangladesh’s Interim Government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Hossain, from January 20 to 24. During a press briefing on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, expressed China’s readiness to bolster political mutual trust, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and expand people-to-people exchanges with Bangladesh.
Guo emphasized that China and Bangladesh share a long-standing friendship, having treated each other with respect since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He noted that both countries have supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, setting an example of mutual benefit and cooperation.
“China, as always, attaches great importance to growing its relations with Bangladesh,” Guo stated. He highlighted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations and the designation of the year as the “China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year.” Guo expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh to strengthen interactions, enhance political mutual trust, and deepen cooperation in various sectors, including high-quality Belt and Road projects.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India, however, has expressed concerns about the BRI, specifically in relation to its passage through Jammu & Kashmir, an area that India considers to be under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. India has raised concerns with China, urging it to cease activities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir due to issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition to discussing Bangladesh, Guo also touched upon the recent state visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to China from January 14 to 17. Guo described the visit as crucial in strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations. He highlighted the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including those related to the Belt and Road initiative, agricultural exports, and people’s welfare.
“At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake paid a state visit to China, marking an important step in the development of China-Sri Lanka relations,” Guo remarked. He emphasized that the two leaders reached key understandings on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership, and the signing of agreements on various bilateral cooperation areas, including agricultural exports to China and news and broadcasting.
Guo concluded by reaffirming China’s high regard for its relations with Sri Lanka, stressing the potential to further develop the partnership and work together for mutual benefit under the BRI framework.