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“Spring Dialogue with China”Held at the Embassy of China in Bangladesh

(From Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh)

2023-03-15 11:29

On March 14, 2023, the “Spring Dialogue with China” was held at the Embassy of China in Bangladesh. H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, had an in-depth talk with Mr. Inam Ahmed, Editor of The Business Standard, and answered questions from the audience. Ambassador Yao introduced the key takeaways from the “Two Sessions” recently closed in China, shared his thoughts on China-Bangladesh relations, and presented China’s positions and initiatives with regard to international hotspots. About 40 journalists from 30 media houses, including mainstream news agencies, television channels, radio channels and newspapers, took part in the event.

Ambassador Yao first introduced the “Two Sessions” recently closed in China. He said that the “Two Sessions” this year is the first of its kind since the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which makes it unique. There are three key takeaways. First, new members of state institutions were elected and appointed. According to the Constitution of China and in line with legal procedures, Xi Jinping was unanimously re-elected President of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Li Qiang was appointed Premier of the State Council. Qin Gang was appointed State Councilor and Foreign Minister. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent her congratulations to President Xi, calling the latter’s re-election a demonstration of the unwavering confidence and most profound trust that the people repose on his visionary stewardship in leading their great country.Second, the State Council institution reform plan was approved. It The plan also aims at transforming government functions, and strengthening the rule of law in government actions.Third, "high-quality development" has become a hot word in the two sessions. China has set the GDP growth target for 2023 at around 5%. China is confident in keeping the powerhouse running vigorously.

Ambassador Yao elaborated on the Chinese Modernization. He said that the Chinese Modernization busts the myth that "modernization equals Westernization",  but creates a new form of human civilization, and inspires countries all over the world, especially developing countries. First, China's successful development proves that all countries have the right and ability to choose their own development path and to hold their destiny in their own hands. Second, the Chinese Modernization is one of common prosperity for all people, making people rich in both material and cultural-ethical terms. Third, the Chinese Modernization does not resort to war, colonization or plundering. It commits to peace, development, cooperation, and win-win results, and insists on harmonious coexistence between mankind and the Mother Nature. Fourth, the modernization of mankind should not be be limited to a specific group of people only, but call for the prosperity of all. Fifth, the successful experience of China's development proves that there is no hope in a mess of scattered sand, and only in unity can there be strength. China and Bangladesh share the same development goals. We are alike in both subjective and objective terms. Our paths to modernization are comparable. We have the foundation, potential, necessity and possibility to move forward hand in hand.

Ambassador Yao specified on China’s positions on international hotspots against the background of a world full of turmoil, in particular the Ukraine crisis. He said that, over the past decade, President Xi has successively put forward a host of initiatives and proposals, including building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the common values of humanity, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, which have been welcomed across the world, especially among developing countries. Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia to join the BRI, which has boosted Bangladesh's socio-economic development. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly welcomed China's efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ambassador Yao introduced China’s moves taken this February to maintain global peace and security. First, China launched The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper. Second, China elaborated its Position on the Political Solution to the Ukraine Crisis. Third, China officially inaugurated the Preparatory Office of the International Organization for Mediation. Ambassador Yao said that China's "February Action" embodies the features of peace, openness and consultation. China always stands on the side of peace and morality. Its proposals do not target any specific country, nor exclude certain party. China adheres to the true multilateralism. In China’s belief, issues that matter to all shall be addressed through consultation among all.

Ambassador Yao underscored the significance and relevance of the dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran under the mediation of China. He said that President Xi has clearly supported the Beijing Dialogue from the very beginning. It is seen as a successful practice of the Global Security Initiative. China’s efforts are highly appreciated by world leaders such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The improvement of Saudi-Iranian relations has opened the way for peace and stability in the Middle East and set an example for resolving conflicts between countries through dialogue and consultation. This is a victory for dialogue and for peace.

Ambassador Yao concluded his opening remarks by assuring that China will keep in mind the interests of the world, take an active part in global governance, and cooperate with the international community, including Bangladesh, to tackle the deficit in peace, security, development and governance, and contribute more to world peace and human progress.

Ambassador Yao also introduced China’s positions and propositions on various issues, including China’s economic growth target in 2023, the growth of China’s defense budget, GDI, GSI, Belt and Road cooperation between China and Bangladesh, bilateral trade and investment, displaced people from Myanmar to Bangladesh, Ukraine crisis, China-Russia relations, China-India relations, and the so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The “Spring Dialogue with China” is a flagship program jointly created by the Embassy of China in Bangladesh and local media. It was first launched in 2022, and has held two sessions by far. On this occasion, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh invites a prominent figure from the press to a fireside talk, and discusses a wide range of topics. The dialogue is held in an agreeable atmosphere where the participants share their in-depth views. It is widely welcomed by media houses and the vast audience in Bangladesh.

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