Bangladesh Seeks China Teesta River Project Support

Bangladesh's new government, led by Tarique Rahman, has formally requested China's involvement and support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. This move was discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. The Teesta River is crucial for irrigation and livelihoods in Bangladesh, and China has long shown interest in the project, which is strategically located near India's Siliguri Corridor. China expressed strong support for Bangladesh, offering to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest. Bangladesh, in turn, reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China principle. This development is seen as potentially straining New Delhi-Dhaka ties, especially as India had previously offered technical assistance for the Teesta basin and the India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty is set to expire. The event highlights China's expanding economic and diplomatic footprint in Bangladesh and the shifting regional dynamics in South Asia.