China for connectivity across South-East Asia

[Ray]

China for connectivity across South-East Asia


Diplomatic Correspondent
banglanews24.com

DHAKA: Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Zhang Xianyi Monday said China is for connectivity across South and East Asia through road communications instead of only linking India and Bangladesh.

"Transit is not only India and Bangladesh rather China is for the connectivity up to the country through Bangladesh-Myanmar-Laos via Pakistan-India-Nepal," he said.

The Chinese diplomat in Bangladesh came up with the plan of one of the largest countries of the world at a meet-the-press program organized on the occasion of the 57th founding anniversary of the National Press Club.

He made it clear that there is no objection of China about the connectivity or transit between India and Bangladesh. "But, we want that an easy communications system might be set up in the region."

The envoy of world's new economic superpower, however, told the journalists that Bangladesh cannot attain the desired annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) due to the problems of communications infrastructures.

Replying to a question about the relations between China and India he said, "There is a good relation between the two countries."

The diplomat said, "We are very much enthusiastic to lessen the trade deficit between Bangladesh and China. Around 95 percent importable products of Bangladesh will get duty-free access to the Chinese market in future."

President of the press club Kamal Uddin Sabuj, general secretary Syed Abdal Ahmad and former president Riazuddin Ahmed were among others present at the press meet.

China for connectivity across South-East Asia

Clever little ticks these Chinese and weasel way for the Chinese to rub salt since the India Bangladesh transit treaty has fallen by the wayside.

Attempting to show how concerned China is about Bangladesh and SE Asia.

Interestingly, the Chinese claim that 95% trade will be duty free. This is because India has given concession to Bangladesh. Another indication of Chinese chicanery, but then seeing will be believing and if indeed China does so, it is good since it will help Bangladesh and so indirectly, India has done well for Bangladesh.

The question that comes to mind, is how come China did not do so before and only showed great love and affection for Bangladesh, only when India extended trade concession to Bangladesh?

A trifle sneaky one could conclude.

Lastly, who cares what China feels about if it has any objection to the Indian proposal for a transit treaty.

In fact, it is we who have no objection to anything Bangladesh does!