China no bar to stronger US-BD ties: Envoy
Wednesday, 5 October 2022
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said Bangladesh's relationship with China does not create a barrier to a cordial and stronger Bangladesh-US relationship as Washington intends to build upon that partnership over the next 50 years, reports UNB.
"We know that many countries, including the United States, have vital economic and people-to-people ties with China that they want to preserve," he told the new agency while responding to an email on whether growing Bangladesh-China relationship is a barrier to stronger US-Bangladesh relationship amid complex geopolitical development.
China's engagement with Bangladesh is crucial given its geo-politics and trade partnership. More than 500 Chinese companies are operating in Bangladesh, which has engaged China in all major infrastructure development projects, including the $3.6 billion Padma Bridge. Bangladesh also supports one-China policy, which means Taiwan is part of mainland China--a stand contradictory to the US vision in the region.
Ambassador Haas made it clear that the US-Bangladesh relationship is driven by two countries - the United States and Bangladesh - and certainly not by any other country.
"I am confident that over the next 50 years our relationship will continue to grow regardless of external factors," he said.
Over the last 50 years, Ambassador Haas said they have built a strong foundation in bilateral trade and investment, people-to-people ties, and a long-lasting development partnership in public health, education, climate resilience, and more.
"As we manage shifting geopolitical trends, the United States will conduct itself as a reasonable leader. We do not seek conflict. We do not seek a Cold War. We do not ask any nation to choose between the United States or any other partner," the US envoy quoted President Joe Biden as saying recently to the United Nations General Assembly.
Talking about the Indo-Pacific, Haas said their engagement in the Indo-Pacific is not against any particular country, nor it is designed to make anyone choose between countries.
Instead, he said, it is about advancing a positive, shared vision for creating a region where all nations can thrive.