Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China is ready to expand its flagship Belt and Road cooperation with Bangladesh. He made the announcement during his meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing. The meeting took place during Rahman's four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi expressed support for Bangladesh's new government after the country held elections in February. He said China wants to work closely with Bangladesh and help the new administration carry out its responsibilities smoothly after a period of political instability. Xi also said both countries should strengthen their partnership through "high-quality" Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi said China is willing to work with Bangladesh to identify important sectors for future cooperation. He said both countries should explore opportunities in green and low-carbon development. He also highlighted cooperation in the digital economy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging industries. China plans to deepen ties with Bangladesh by expanding work in these growing sectors.

China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013 under President Xi Jinping. The programme focuses on improving connectivity and economic cooperation across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It supports investments in railways, highways, ports, and energy projects. The initiative takes inspiration from the ancient Silk Road and aims to strengthen trade and infrastructure links among participating countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning shared details of the meeting through a series of posts on X. She said Xi Jinping and Tarique Rahman jointly announced the decision to build a "China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era". The decision elevates bilateral relations to a higher level and reflects both countries' commitment to stronger long-term cooperation.

Mao also said Xi underlined the importance China gives to its relationship with Bangladesh. He said China has always followed a policy of friendship and good-neighbourliness towards the people of Bangladesh. Xi said, "No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the general direction of building friendship with Bangladesh and will always be a trustworthy, good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh."

Xi also reiterated China's support for Bangladesh on issues related to its sovereignty and national interests. According to Mao, Xi said China stands with Bangladesh in protecting its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also opposed outside involvement in Bangladesh's internal affairs. Mao quoted Xi as saying, "China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference."

Rahman is on his maiden overseas tour as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, with a stop in Beijing in the second leg of that trip. Before arriving in Beijing, he travelled to Malaysia. His China visit highlights Dhaka's efforts to strengthen ties with one of its key regional partners and explore new opportunities for economic and technological cooperation.

The meeting between Xi and Rahman signals a fresh push in China-Bangladesh relations. Both countries plan to expand cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative while also focusing on future-ready sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and sustainable development. The decision to build a "China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era" marks another important step in strengthening their strategic partnership.