Chinese President Xi Jinping has affirmed the intention to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh amid the country’s diplomatic tensions with India. This commitment was conveyed during a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, where they discussed avenues for cooperation including economic assistance and cultural exchanges. Yunus’s recent rise to power marks a significant change in Dhaka’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently pledged to enhance relations with Bangladesh, which is facing rising tensions with India. During a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Xi expressed China’s readiness to elevate bilateral cooperation. As tensions between India and Bangladesh escalate following Yunus’s rise to power, Xi emphasized unity, stating, “China insists on remaining a good neighbour, good friend and good partner to Bangladesh, based on mutual trust.”

The discussions highlighted various avenues for collaboration, including economic and technical assistance, cultural exchanges, and addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, which Bangladesh has been managing since the 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar. This development comes amid significant geopolitical changes affecting South Asia, as Yunus opts for close ties with China following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had established a more India-centric foreign policy.

Yunus, who took office in August, embarked on his first state visit to China to engage in high-level talks and participate in the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. His visit to Beijing has initiated discussions about a potential “Friendship Hospital” in Bangladesh, reflecting a shift in medical tourism dynamics as tensions have curtailed travel for such purposes to India.

With Yunus’s administration taking steps towards closer ties with China, the strained relationship with India raises concerns about regional stability and foreign policy shifts in Dhaka. The commitments made during this meeting mark a decisive move in Bangladesh’s strategic alignment in the region.

In summary, President Xi Jinping’s commitment to deepen China’s ties with Bangladesh, particularly amid tensions with India, highlights a significant geopolitical shift in South Asia. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in various fields while addressing critical issues such as the Rohingya refugee situation. Yunus’s visit underscores Bangladesh’s strategic pivot towards China, signifying potential changes in regional dynamics and foreign relations moving forward.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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