China Supports Bangladesh’s Interim Government for a ‘Smooth, Participatory’ Election: Ambassador Yao Wen

Dhaka, July 30, 2025 – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed China’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government, endorsing its efforts to conduct a smooth, successful, and participatory general election while pursuing a development path tailored to the country’s needs. Speaking at the DCAB Talk hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club, Yao emphasized that the timing of the election is a decision for the Bangladeshi people, not foreign nations.

“Bangladesh is currently navigating a critical phase of reform and development,” Yao said, highlighting China’s commitment to supporting the interim government’s governance. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also addressed the event, which began with a minute of silence in memory of former DCAB President Shamim Ahmad, who passed away on July 7, and the victims of the recent Bangladesh Air Force jet crash into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on July 21.

Addressing the aircraft crash, Yao announced that China would assist Bangladesh in conducting a “comprehensive and impartial” investigation. He confirmed that a Chinese technical expert team is expected to arrive in Dhaka today, following a request from the Bangladeshi government. On regional cooperation, Yao highlighted the recent China-Bangladesh-Pakistan trilateral vice foreign minister/foreign secretary meeting in Kunming, describing it as a step toward enhancing collaboration in South Asia. “China looks forward to working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to advance trilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results,” he said, noting that Bangladesh is a key member of the Global South and a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy. Yao underscored China’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its adherence to the One-China principle. Responding to questions about China’s recent engagement with Bangladeshi political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, Yao noted that previous interactions with these parties were hindered but are now being strengthened. “You know it!” he remarked when asked about the nature of past obstacles, signaling a shift toward broader political engagement Yao reaffirmed China’s role as a reliable partner, expressing readiness to share expertise in governance, economic development, poverty alleviation, disaster prevention, and climate change response. He also highlighted China’s commitment to working with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries to promote modernization and regional development.

The ambassador noted the warming ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan as a catalyst for the trilateral initiative, adding that China has briefed other South Asian nations about the cooperation, though he did not elaborate on their responses.