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What to expect from Yunusâs China trip
If everything goes as planned, Dr Muhammad Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28
Combination picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Photo: AFP
Sheikh Shahariar ZamanSheikh Shahariar Zaman
Publish : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AMUpdate : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AM
Against the backdrop of strained relations between Dhaka and Delhi and the second tenure of Donald Trump as the US president, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China later this month.
If everything goes as planned, Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28.
Along with discussions on bilateral relations, the two leaders may also address the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The meeting is expected to focus on three of Xiâs global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
Given the circumstances, Dhaka is placing significant importance on this visit.
A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dhaka considered the chief adviserâs visit to China very important, adding that preparations for this visit had already begun.
"During this visit, there will be a meeting between President Xi Jinping and the chief adviser in Beijing. Additionally, the chief adviser will address the Boao Forum for Asia."
BFA and possible agreements
The chief adviser was invited to attend the Boao Forum for Asia conference to be held in Chinaâs Hainan province from March 25 to 28.
The decision for him to participate was finalized after confirming the meeting with the Chinese president.
Several sources indicate that if both sides agree, multiple agreements may be signed during this visit.
One official said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain visited China in January and discussed high-level visits in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
They mentioned that throughout the year, both countries would organize various events.
"China is Bangladeshâs largest trading partner. Additionally, Chinese investors are interested in Bangladesh. Investment relations could be a key focus during this visit."
Changing geopolitical dynamics
Diplomacy is never static. A country that is friendly today may change its stance tomorrow based on interests or other factors.
For instance, before August 5, India worked closely with Bangladesh, while relations with the US were less warm.
However, the situation has now shifted â Bangladesh's relationship with India has become somewhat uneasy, whereas its ties with the Biden administration were excellent, and the Yunus government is also increasing communication with the Trump administration.
Notably, Yunus recently spoke over the phone with Elon Musk, who is a close associate of Trump.
A former diplomat said the depth and nature of Bangladeshâs relations with various countries depended on its national interests and the priorities of those nations.
Providing an example, they said China was showing interest in various development projects in Bangladesh, while the US wanted to expand its trade relations with Bangladesh.
âThe government is making decisions based on national interests. For instance, it has already decided on energy purchases from the US and increasing business engagements with Elon Musk."
Strained ties with India
Regarding the uneasy relations with India, the former diplomat said: "Before the political shift in Bangladesh, there were no issues with Indian visas. Over 1.5 million visas were issued annually, a significant portion of which were medical visas. However, this has now been significantly restricted."
"Why India made this decision is something they can explain, but Bangladeshis are adapting to the changing situation," they added.
Medical tourism
Visa policies can have a substantial influence on another country, and India serves as a prime example.
A large number of Bangladeshis travelled to India not only as tourists but also for medical treatment, making medical diplomacy a crucial factor.
However, with the tightening of Indian visa policies, Bangladesh is seeking alternative options.
China has stepped up, and the first group of Bangladeshi medical tourists departed for the Chinese city of Kunming on Monday.
A former diplomat said that in response to the new reality, the interim government was diversifying its collaborations.
Bangladesh had requested China to designate three hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, they mentioned, adding that Beijing had responded positively.
If Bangladeshis found Chinaâs healthcare system satisfactory, medical tourism in China would increase, further strengthening Chinaâs soft power influence in Bangladesh, they noted.
If everything goes as planned, Dr Muhammad Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28
Combination picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Photo: AFP
Sheikh Shahariar ZamanSheikh Shahariar Zaman
Publish : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AMUpdate : 13 Mar 2025, 10:00 AM
Against the backdrop of strained relations between Dhaka and Delhi and the second tenure of Donald Trump as the US president, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China later this month.
If everything goes as planned, Yunus will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 28.
Along with discussions on bilateral relations, the two leaders may also address the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The meeting is expected to focus on three of Xiâs global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
Given the circumstances, Dhaka is placing significant importance on this visit.
A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dhaka considered the chief adviserâs visit to China very important, adding that preparations for this visit had already begun.
"During this visit, there will be a meeting between President Xi Jinping and the chief adviser in Beijing. Additionally, the chief adviser will address the Boao Forum for Asia."
BFA and possible agreements
The chief adviser was invited to attend the Boao Forum for Asia conference to be held in Chinaâs Hainan province from March 25 to 28.
The decision for him to participate was finalized after confirming the meeting with the Chinese president.
Several sources indicate that if both sides agree, multiple agreements may be signed during this visit.
One official said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain visited China in January and discussed high-level visits in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
They mentioned that throughout the year, both countries would organize various events.
"China is Bangladeshâs largest trading partner. Additionally, Chinese investors are interested in Bangladesh. Investment relations could be a key focus during this visit."
Changing geopolitical dynamics
Diplomacy is never static. A country that is friendly today may change its stance tomorrow based on interests or other factors.
For instance, before August 5, India worked closely with Bangladesh, while relations with the US were less warm.
However, the situation has now shifted â Bangladesh's relationship with India has become somewhat uneasy, whereas its ties with the Biden administration were excellent, and the Yunus government is also increasing communication with the Trump administration.
Notably, Yunus recently spoke over the phone with Elon Musk, who is a close associate of Trump.
A former diplomat said the depth and nature of Bangladeshâs relations with various countries depended on its national interests and the priorities of those nations.
Providing an example, they said China was showing interest in various development projects in Bangladesh, while the US wanted to expand its trade relations with Bangladesh.
âThe government is making decisions based on national interests. For instance, it has already decided on energy purchases from the US and increasing business engagements with Elon Musk."
Strained ties with India
Regarding the uneasy relations with India, the former diplomat said: "Before the political shift in Bangladesh, there were no issues with Indian visas. Over 1.5 million visas were issued annually, a significant portion of which were medical visas. However, this has now been significantly restricted."
"Why India made this decision is something they can explain, but Bangladeshis are adapting to the changing situation," they added.
Medical tourism
Visa policies can have a substantial influence on another country, and India serves as a prime example.
A large number of Bangladeshis travelled to India not only as tourists but also for medical treatment, making medical diplomacy a crucial factor.
However, with the tightening of Indian visa policies, Bangladesh is seeking alternative options.
China has stepped up, and the first group of Bangladeshi medical tourists departed for the Chinese city of Kunming on Monday.
A former diplomat said that in response to the new reality, the interim government was diversifying its collaborations.
Bangladesh had requested China to designate three hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, they mentioned, adding that Beijing had responded positively.
If Bangladeshis found Chinaâs healthcare system satisfactory, medical tourism in China would increase, further strengthening Chinaâs soft power influence in Bangladesh, they noted.
