Beijing: China has sought to allay India’s concerns over its growing engagement with Bangladesh, saying that cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka, including on the Teesta River project, is not aimed at any third country.
Responding to questions about China’s role in the proposed Teesta River development project, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China and Bangladesh share a long-standing strategic partnership based on mutual respect and development cooperation. Beijing stressed that its collaboration with Dhaka should not be interpreted as a move against India.
The clarification comes amid renewed discussions on China’s participation in the Teesta River project during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to Beijing. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on water resource management and infrastructure development related to the Teesta River.
The Teesta River is a strategically important transboundary river shared by India and Bangladesh. Any major infrastructure project on the river has significant geopolitical implications, with New Delhi closely monitoring China’s expanding presence in Bangladesh.
China reiterated that it respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and supports development projects that contribute to economic growth and regional cooperation. Officials maintained that the Teesta initiative is intended to improve water management and livelihoods rather than alter regional strategic dynamics.