Diplomatic Correspondent

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed his firm conviction that Bangladeshi friends, together with the international community, will continue upholding the one-China principle.

He also hoped they would continue to extend understanding and support for the Chinese people’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence” and striving for national reunification.

"We are one China, and Taiwan is part of China. This is an indisputable fact supported by history and the law. Taiwan has never been a state; its status as part of China is unalterable," said the envoy.

Ambassador Yao was speaking at a symposium on “Reviewing the Original Aspiration of Establishing Diplomatic Relations, Moving Forward Together” at the Embassy on Wednesday evening.

Former diplomats Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Mahbub Uz Zaman and Munshi Faiz Ahmed, among others, spoke.

The envoy said China cares about and cherishes the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait more than any others do. However, “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water.

"There is no space for the Chinese government to compromise with those “Taiwan independence” separatists who have betrayed their ancestors by denying their identity as Chinese," he said.

Instead, he said, the Mainland will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, work with relevant political parties, groups and people from various sectors in Taiwan to boost cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, enhance cross-Strait integrated development, jointly promote Chinese culture, and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations for the cause of national reunification.

Economist Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir highlighted the importance of greater connectivity, noting that China is growing too fast.

He wanted to see China opens up cultural centre across the country to enhance people to people relations just going beyond cooperation in infrastructure, education and health.

US-China talks start with warnings about misunderstandings and miscalculations

Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University's Department of International Relations explained why Bangladesh pursues One China policy.

He highlighted the growing collaboration and cooperation with mutual respect.

He also talked about Rohingya crisis and highlighted the importance of stability in the region.

Shahab also touched up Indo-Pacific issues.

On January 2024, the leadership and legislature elections of China’s Taiwan region were held.

"It is obvious that the results of the elections cannot change the landscape and development trend of cross-Strait relations, nor can it alter the shared aspiration of Chinese compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to forge closer ties. The inevitable trend of China’s reunification will not be impeded," said the Ambassador.

He said it must be pointed out that out of the strategic consideration of “using Taiwan to contain China”, the United States has played the “Taiwan card” in the multilateral fields, issued a series of reports distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, attacking the one-China principle, advocating “Taiwan’s status is undetermined”, and openly supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly.

"They are clouding the one-China principle in uncertainty and compromising its integrity. They are contriving “official” exchanges with Taiwan, increasing arms sales, and colluding in military provocation," Ambassador Yao said.

To help Taiwan expand its “international space”, he said, they are inducing other countries to interfere in Taiwan affairs, and concocting Taiwan-related bills that infringe upon the sovereignty of China.

"They are creating confusion about what is black and white, right and wrong. This is a hegemonic act that blatantly interferes in China’s internal affairs,a flagrant defiance of relevant UN resolutions, an unpopular and perverse act, and a serious disruption to regional peace and stability. China firmly rejects this," said the envoy.

He said Taiwan belongs to all the Chinese people, including the 23 million Taiwan compatriots.

"The Chinese people are firm in their resolve and have a deep commitment to safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and this resolve and commitment will frustrate any attempt to divide the country," he said.

Attempts to reject reunification and split the country are doomed, because they will founder against the history and culture of the Chinese nation as well as the resolve and commitment of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, he mentioned.