Beijing has raised objections over the India-China borderline depicted in Bangladesh’s textbooks, claiming inaccuracies that do not align with China’s territorial stance. The issue was highlighted by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, during a press conference in Dhaka.
China’s Concerns Over the Map
Speaking to the media, Yao Wen stated that some maps and related content in Bangladeshi textbooks and official websites contain “incorrect references” to China, including its provinces, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the India-China borderline.
🔹 China’s stance: The ambassador emphasized that the ‘One China policy’ is the foundation of international relations and reiterated that Taiwan and Hong Kong are integral parts of China.
🔹 Bangladesh’s response: While Bangladeshi officials have not made public statements, an unnamed government official stated that the textbook map had remained unchanged for years and that China only objected now. However, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the One China policy and stated that any inconsistencies would be corrected.
China’s Strategic Interests in Bangladesh
Beyond the map controversy, China has also expressed interest in several major projects and defense deals in Bangladesh:
✅ Teesta River Mega Project: Beijing has reiterated its willingness to implement the Teesta River project in northern Bangladesh, amid ongoing protests by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over India’s water policies.
✅ Defense Deals: China is keen on selling arms to Bangladesh at competitive prices, claiming they are well-suited for the country’s defense needs.
✅ Aircraft Sales: China Southern Airlines plans to sell 9-10 secondhand aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with an auction expected in April.
Diplomatic Sensitivities and Future Implications
This controversy highlights the growing geopolitical tensions in South Asia, where Bangladesh must balance its relations between China and India. While Dhaka has maintained a neutral stance, its handling of this dispute will be closely watched by both New Delhi and Beijing.
