China Denies Involvement in Rakhine Corridor, Ready for Teesta Project

Arakan Now, 8 May 2025

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has dismissed claims that China is involved in the “so-called humanitarian corridor” for Rakhine State, emphasizing Beijing’s respect for national sovereignty.

“For the corridor issue – ‘so-called humanitarian corridor’ – I should say China is not involved,” Yao said during a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka. He clarified that the initiative is led by UN agencies to support conflict-affected communities in Rakhine, without Chinese involvement.

On the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), Yao reaffirmed China’s readiness to support the initiative, referencing a joint statement from the recent meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies’ participation.

“China remains ready. We are willing to offer our help. Now it is up to Bangladesh to make a decision,” Yao said, adding that China respects any approach Bangladesh chooses, whether bilateral, trilateral, or through an international consortium.

Reference: Prothom Alo