China doesn’t see India as a strategic rival or competitor: Envoy

Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said his country will continue to work closely with Bangladesh to ensure development, peace and stability in the region.

“We foresee a promising outlook (in terms of relations with Bangladesh). We are ready to work with Bangladesh for a brighter future,” he said while speaking at the “DCAB Talk” at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, reports UNB.

The envoy said that China shares the same views as Bangladesh on the Ukraine issue and highlighted the importance of having dialogue and discussion to resolve problems peacefully.

On the Rohingya crisis, Ambassador Li said China is putting in efforts for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.

The envoy also talked about debt management, global development initiative, trade and investment issues.

“There is no Chinese debt trap in Bangladesh. There is no Chinese debt trap globally,” the ambassador said.

The ambassador said China “never acts against Muslims in the country” and they have no particular reason to hate or discriminate against any group.

“This is totally fake news (what you see in media on Uyghur). I can tell you with certainty,” he said.

Regarding India-China relations, the ambassador said: “We never view India as a strategic rival or competitor. Personally, I’m a big fan of India. We can work together more closely to solve economic and geopolitical issues.”

He emphasised going for the “Asian way” of solving problems.

China never acts against Muslims

He also said his country will continue to work closely with Bangladesh to ensure development, peace and stability in the region.

“We foresee a promising outlook (in terms of relations with Bangladesh). We are ready to work with Bangladesh for a brighter future,” he said.

On the Rohingya crisis, ambassador Li said China is putting in efforts for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.

The envoy also talked about debt management, global development initiative, trade and investment issues.

“There is no Chinese debt trap in Bangladesh. There is no Chinese debt trap globally,” the ambassador said.

The ambassador said China “never acts against Muslims in the country” and they have no particular reason to hate or discriminate against any group.

“This is totally fake news (what you see in media on Uyghur). I can tell you with certainty,” he said.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organised the flagship programme. DCAB president Rezaul Karim Lotus and general secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the programme alongside the Chinese ambassador.