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Dhaka, July 12, 2025 – In a strongly worded article published in Bangladesh’s *Daily Sun*, *The Business Standard*, and *Financial Express*, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, criticized the United States for imposing new “reciprocal tariffs” on 14 trading partners, including Bangladesh, on July 7. Titled “No Peace Through Concession—Only Struggle Secures Tomorrow,” the ambassador’s piece condemned the U.S. for prioritizing selfish interests over global economic stability, accusing it of disrupting the multilateral trading system and provoking global opposition.
Ambassador Yao emphasized China’s firm stance against the U.S. tariffs, warning that protectionist measures and trade wars harm all parties involved. “If more countries follow the U.S. example by raising tariffs, the world will be further divided, plunging back to the law of the jungle,” he wrote. He reiterated China’s policy of resolute resistance to coercion, stating, “If the U.S. wants to fight, we will fight to the end; if it wants to talk, the door remains open.” Yao argued that U.S. attempts to decouple from China would mean decoupling from opportunities and progress. The ambassador highlighted recent progress in China-U.S. trade negotiations, noting a high-level economic meeting in Geneva in May and a follow-up consultation in London from June 9–10. These talks, he said, yielded positive outcomes and advanced mutual economic concerns, benefiting both nations and the global community. Yao portrayed China as a responsible and trustworthy global partner committed to upholding international trade rules. Turning to Bangladesh, Yao praised its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG), emphasizing that its affordable, high-quality products meet U.S. market demands. He criticized the U.S. for imposing a 35% tariff on Bangladesh, calling it “unreasonable and unethical,” especially given Bangladesh’s status as a least-developed country. In contrast, he highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy on 100% of Bangladeshi taxable items, extended until 2028, as a significant boost for Bangladesh’s development. Yao underscored the deepening China-Bangladesh partnership, noting that China has been Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. From January to May 2025, China exported $3.47 billion worth of textile intermediates to Bangladesh, a 5% increase year-on-year. He also celebrated the first shipment of Bangladeshi mangoes to China in May and ongoing efforts to approve imports of other agricultural products like jackfruit and guava. Investment ties are also flourishing, with Chinese investment in Bangladesh surging by 370% in the first quarter of 2025. Since the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government, nearly 20 Chinese enterprises have signed investment agreements worth over $400 million, making China the largest investor in the country. A delegation led by China’s Minister of Commerce, Mr. Wang Wentao, visited Bangladesh on June 1, with over 40 companies expressing interest in sectors like agriculture, textiles, clean energy, and tourism. Key projects include the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, the Agricultural-PV Integration Park on Banshkhali Island, and the China-Bangladesh Mongla Port Economic Zone. Beyond trade and investment, Yao highlighted China’s contributions to Bangladeshi livelihoods, including medical donations worth over $2.1 million, such as ventilators, dengue testing kits, and flood relief equipment. China is also supporting the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital and a burn unit at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, while considering a residential hall for female students at the University of Dhaka. Ambassador Yao reaffirmed China’s commitment to standing by Bangladesh as a reliable partner, particularly as it navigates external economic challenges. He referenced the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the March 2025 visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to China, pledging to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. “China will continue to work hand in hand with Bangladesh to safeguard international fairness and justice,” Yao concluded, emphasizing a shared vision for development and prosperity.
