‘Irresponsible and utterly unfounded’

China has urged the US to be more aware of its responsibilities and focus on actions conducive to Bangladesh’s stability as well as development and cooperation in the region. 

The Chinese embassy in Dhaka said this in a statement yesterday, responding to remarks made by newly appointed US Ambassador Brent Christensen.

During a media interaction in Dhaka on Wednesday, Christensen expressed concerns about China’s broader influence in South Asia and said he was committed to clearly articulating the risks of involvement with China in certain areas should Bangladesh choose that path.

In response, the Chinese embassy said such remarks by the US ambassador were “irresponsible and utterly unfounded”.

Over the past 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Bangladesh have always supported each other, treated one another as equals and engaged in win-win cooperation, the embassy said.

“The China-Bangladesh cooperation has delivered benefits to and received broad support from the people of both countries. It is conducive to development and stability in the region.

“Cooperation between China and Bangladesh is a matter between the two countries and their peoples, and brooks no interference or finger-pointing by the US side.”