Muhammad Yunus to Visit China for Bilateral Talks Amid Regional Tensions
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will visit China on March 26 for a bilateral meeting and attend the Boao Forum for Asia. He may meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss strengthening ties, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. India’s concern over Bangladesh’s shift towards China is evident amid ongoing regional complexities.
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, is scheduled to visit China on March 26 for a significant bilateral meeting, as reported by Prothom Alo. Following his assumption of the interim leadership after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, this visit marks Yunus’s inaugural trip to China since taking office on August 7, 2024.
During his visit, Yunus is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28. His first engagement will be at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan province on March 25, where he was invited by BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun. The visit also commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China.
Diplomatic sources indicate that further arrangements and discussions will take place after an itinerary is confirmed for the high-level dialogues in Beijing. Meanwhile, India remains vigilant regarding Bangladesh’s deepening relations with China and Pakistan, particularly following Hasina’s recent removal from power.
India’s concerns were evident during a recent session at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where it accused Bangladesh of promoting “revenge violence against minorities” based on a UN fact-finding report. Moreover, Bangladesh’s relations with India have grown tense, highlighted by discussions between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his UK counterpart regarding the situation in Bangladesh.
Additionally, a 21-member Bangladeshi delegation finished a 10-day trip to China on March 6, where they engaged in discussions that underscored the need for stronger ties. Beijing’s support included extending loan repayment deadlines and offering duty-free imports, indicating a strategic interest in bolstering relations with the interim government in Dhaka.
In summary, Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming visit to China underscores the evolving diplomatic landscape between Bangladesh and China. His attendance at the BFA and discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials aim to solidify bilateral relations, especially in light of recent political changes in Bangladesh. India’s scrutiny of these developments reflects the complex dynamics in South Asia, as Bangladesh navigates its international partnerships amidst regional tensions.
Original Source: m.thewire.in
