China has reaffirmed its willingness to continue serving as an effective mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Bangladesh–China Enduring Friendship" held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on July 19, Ambassador Yao stated that China would continue supporting dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar as part of efforts to peacefully resolve the Rohingya crisis.
He also said China would maintain its mediating role in Myanmar's ongoing political process.
The ambassador highlighted the proposed Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCMEC), saying the initiative would strengthen regional economic connectivity, trade, and investment among the three countries.
Earlier this year, Bangladesh's Interim Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited China and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following the meeting, the two countries issued a joint statement, in which Paragraph 13 reaffirmed China's commitment to continuing its role as an effective mediator in addressing the Rohingya issue.
According to a report published in May 2023 by the India-based Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), China has consistently promoted trilateral dialogue among Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China despite the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
The report says China's approach to the Rohingya crisis is built on three key strategies: promoting stability and the rule of law in Rakhine State; facilitating negotiations between Bangladesh and Myanmar to advance Rohingya repatriation while acting as a mediator; and supporting poverty reduction and socioeconomic development in Rakhine.
CSEP also noted that China favors bilateral dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar over international pressure or punitive measures as the preferred means of addressing the Rohingya issue.
The report further argues that China seeks to safeguard its strategic and economic interests in Myanmar while maintaining a balanced relationship with both Bangladesh and Myanmar. As part of its broader efforts to preserve its influence in South Asia, Beijing has increased investment in Bangladesh and aims to retain its position as a key mediator in the Rohingya repatriation process.
Ref: Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP).
Photo: ICG
