China has called on Bangladesh to work together to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, signalling Beijing’s interest in strengthening political coordination with Dhaka amid accelerating shifts in the global balance of power.
The message was delivered in Dhaka on Wednesday by Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during an event where senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) attended.
Liu’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with major powers competing for influence and US President Donald Trump’s international policies facing growing political challenges at home following the midterm elections, in which Democrats secured victories in both chambers of Congress.
Addressing the Bangladeshi political leaders, Liu called for closer cooperation between the two countries on China’s four Global Initiatives, which were introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We should work together to act on the four Global Initiatives put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping, step up communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks including the UN, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation,” he said.
Such cooperation, he added, would help safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China and Bangladesh, as well as the shared interests of the Global South.
The Chinese minister also emphasised the importance of mutual support on issues concerning the countries’ respective core interests and major concerns.
“Amid profound changes unseen in a century, it is all the more important for us to follow the guidance of our leaders, and firmly respect, understand and support one another on issues bearing on each other’s core interests and major concerns,” Liu said.
His remarks underscored Beijing’s desire to deepen strategic trust with Bangladesh at a time when countries in the Global South are increasingly seeking to navigate competition among major powers while protecting their economic and political interests.
Liu urged both sides to maintain their development partnership, describing the relationship as one that had produced tangible benefits over the past five decades.
“We must light the way for each other and jointly build a path of development,” he said.
Bilateral trade, which stood at around $15 million when diplomatic relations were established, has now exceeded $23 billion, according to Liu.
He also recalled that Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Over the years, China has supported a range of infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including highways, bridges and tunnels, which Liu said had contributed to the country’s economic and social development.
He specifically highlighted progress on two major initiatives: the Mongla Port Industrial Park and the comprehensive treatment and restoration of the Teesta River.
“Today, progress is steady on major projects such as the Mongla Port Industrial Park and the comprehensive treatment and restoration of the Teesta River. We believe these initiatives will bring greater benefits to peoples of both countries,” he said.
Liu’s engagement with leaders of three major political parties is also significant in the context of Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape. By reaching out to political forces beyond the governing establishment, Beijing appears keen to maintain broad-based political engagement and ensure continuity in bilateral relations.
Liu, who is the son of China’s second ambassador to Bangladesh, also has a family connection with the country, adding a personal dimension to his visit.
