The newly formed government of Bangladesh, led by Tarique Rahman, has officially requested China’s assistance in the restoration of the Teesta River. This initiative could potentially complicate relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Discussions regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) took place during a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, as reported by the state-owned Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.
The Teesta River, which originates in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before reaching Bangladesh, serves as a crucial source of irrigation and sustains the livelihoods of millions.
Wang expressed China’s support for the new Bangladeshi government, as conveyed by BSS. He indicated that China is prepared to align its high-quality Belt and Road Initiative with Bangladesh’s national development goals and enhance collaboration in various sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
Wang also mentioned that the Bangladeshi government would encourage Chinese businesses to invest in the country.
According to a statement from the Chinese side, Wang emphasized that China’s relationship with Bangladesh and other South Asian nations is not aimed at any third party and should remain unaffected by external influences.
This marks Rahman’s inaugural visit to China since assuming office in February. He arrived on May 5 and is set to depart on Thursday.
Last month, Rahman visited India, where his discussions with Indian officials were closely monitored by Beijing, particularly given that the interim government under Muhammad Yunus had strengthened ties with China and Pakistan following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, causing a strain in relations with India.
China has expressed interest in developing the TRCMRP, which is strategically located near India’s Siliguri Corridor that links the mainland to the northeastern states.
In response to this context, India offered technical and conservation assistance for the Teesta basin in 2024, showcasing its intent to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh on managing transboundary rivers.
Water-sharing remains a critical issue in bilateral relations, particularly with the impending expiration of the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty, signed in 1996, which governs the sharing of the Ganges river during the dry season and will lapse this year unless renewed.
This development comes at a time when China has been expanding its economic and diplomatic presence in Bangladesh. As reported by Bangladeshi media, China ranks as Bangladesh’s fourth-largest lender, behind Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, having extended loans totaling USD 7.5 billion since 1975.
During Wednesday’s talks, both nations agreed to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies to further enhance the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle, declaring that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory and opposing any form of “Taiwan independence,” according to the BSS report.
In reciprocation, China reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while endorsing the development path chosen by the Bangladeshi people.
