China Says Ties with Bangladesh Free from External Pressure

China has rejected recent remarks by the US ambassador to Bangladesh, saying its relations with Dhaka and other South Asian countries are independent, transparent, and free from external interference.

In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh said Beijing’s engagement with Bangladesh is not directed at any third party and will not be influenced by outside pressure. The statement was shared through the embassy’s verified Facebook page.

The spokesperson called comments by US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen regarding China’s role in South Asia “misleading and politically motivated,” adding that attempts to interfere in or undermine China’s partnerships in the region are bound to fail.

Reaffirming its position, China stressed that its relationship with Bangladesh is built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, yielding tangible benefits for both nations. The partnership, the statement added, serves as a model of constructive engagement and mutually beneficial development.

China also highlighted its broader role in South Asia, describing itself as a reliable partner whose cooperation has supported regional stability, economic growth, and development. The engagement, the spokesperson noted, has been positively received across the region.

The statement follows Ambassador Christensen’s recent remarks on January 21, in which he expressed concerns over China’s growing influence in South Asia. He said the United States would continue advising partner countries, including Bangladesh, on potential risks of deeper engagement with China in certain sectors and would support partner militaries in meeting operational needs.