China's response to Beijing, India's concerns on Teesta project

Photo: Collected

International Desk: China has assured Bangladesh of its full support in implementing the Teesta Mega Project. Dhaka and Beijing have agreed to work together on a feasibility study for the long-awaited project. However, India has expressed security concerns over the initiative due to its geographical location. Despite these concerns, China has reaffirmed its commitment to fully support Bangladesh in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).

At the same time, China stressed that its cooperation with Bangladesh should remain free from the influence of any third party.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made these remarks during a press briefing in Beijing in response to a question about India's concerns, according to NDTV.

In a report published on Monday (June 29), the Indian news outlet said that the Teesta basin is located very close to India's northeastern region, which is the main reason behind India's concerns over the Bangladesh-China joint initiative.

Guo Jiakun said, “I want to emphasize that China-Bangladesh cooperation is not directed against any third party, and it should remain free from the influence of any third party.”

China described the project as a public welfare initiative aimed at improving people's livelihoods and said it is of great importance to Bangladesh. Jiakun said, “The comprehensive management and restoration of the Teesta River is a public welfare project that Bangladesh attaches great importance to. China is ready to provide all possible assistance for this project.”

He added that China is prepared to strengthen coordination with Bangladesh on its development strategies and expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as trade and economy, water resource management, and public welfare.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said that experts from both countries will conduct a technical feasibility study of the much-discussed Teesta project for the first time. Both sides have agreed on this step, which had not been reached before. China has stated that it will provide all possible support for the project based on the findings and viability of the feasibility study report.

According to NDTV, Bangladesh and China have reached an agreement to increase cooperation in the management of the Teesta and other rivers in Bangladesh. In this situation, India is expected to closely monitor any future announcements related to the Teesta project.