Dhaka takes note of Beijing's absence over Myanmar border tensions discussion

[Destranator]

Dhaka takes note of Beijing's absence over Myanmar border tensions discussion​

International Desk | 24 Sep 2022, 18:19

Photo: Collected

China skipped Bangladesh's discussion over Myanmar's military activities on the border.

Dhaka did not take China's non-response as normal. The Ministry of External Affairs of Bangladesh says they have "noticed" the matter. On the other hand, experts say that they are not "surprised" by China's stance on Myanmar, reported Bangladesh Live News.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ambassadors and high commissioners of non-ASEAN countries working in Dhaka to inform them about Myanmar's military activities on the border. However, the Chinese ambassador in Bangladesh did not participate in it.

This meeting was held on Tuesday morning at Rashtriya Guest House Padma. Ambassadors of Russia and India were not present but sent representatives. In addition to the European Union member countries, representatives of almost all countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Egypt, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Japan participated in the meeting. Experts see China's absence as a breach of diplomatic etiquette. At the same time, they consider this incident as China's clear support for Myanmar, reported Bangladesh Live News.

An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who did not wish to be named, told News Bangla, "Although the heads of missions of almost all countries were called at a very short notice, they or their representatives came."



"However, we did not find any representative of China. The ambassador might be busy with important work, but he could send a representative if he wanted. We are a little surprised that it was not sent," he added. Despite being part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and enjoying growth in trade and investments, Bangladesh refuses to be China's lackey.

Dhaka takes note of Beijing's absence over Myanmar border tensions discussion

China skipped Bangladesh's discussion over Myanmar's military activities on the border. Dhaka did not take China's non-response as normal. The Ministry of External Affairs of Bangladesh says they have "noticed" the matter. On the other hand, experts say that they are not "surprised"...

www.rtvonline.com

 

[Destranator]

This is further confirmation that China would be of no help in a conflict with Burma. In fact, China's "non-interference" charade might extend to not helping Bangladesh against India.
What Bangladesh needs is to kick off extensive military collaboration with West-friendly nation such as Turkey, South Korea, Indonesia, etc. to build up a strong local domestic military industry. In the short term, we have no choice but to buy/lease Western hardware despite strings as anything is much better than the current state of neutered military readiness.
Go for F-16s for MMRCAs if the US blocks Gripens. Other F-16 operators with advanced aerospace industries like Turkey, Indonesia, etc. might be able to help us keep the fleet operational in the long term if/when there are delays in US supply of spares and maintenance support. Bangladesh will never take an outright anti-US stance anyway so outright sancations at any point are unlikely.
A pro-West stance will take Bangladesh closer to the developed + advanced developing world in general - no country in this category is anti-West except for China and Russia.
For instance, South Korea and Indonesia might be happy to welcome BD into the KF-21 and K-FX programs.

 

[bluesky]

Dhaka takes note of Beijing's absence over Myanmar border tensions discussion​

International Desk | 24 Sep 2022, 18:19

Photo: Collected

China skipped Bangladesh's discussion over Myanmar's military activities on the border.

Dhaka did not take China's non-response as normal. The Ministry of External Affairs of Bangladesh says they have "noticed" the matter. On the other hand, experts say that they are not "surprised" by China's stance on Myanmar, reported Bangladesh Live News.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the ambassadors and high commissioners of non-ASEAN countries working in Dhaka to inform them about Myanmar's military activities on the border. However, the Chinese ambassador in Bangladesh did not participate in it.

This meeting was held on Tuesday morning at Rashtriya Guest House Padma. Ambassadors of Russia and India were not present but sent representatives. In addition to the European Union member countries, representatives of almost all countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Egypt, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Japan participated in the meeting. Experts see China's absence as a breach of diplomatic etiquette. At the same time, they consider this incident as China's clear support for Myanmar, reported Bangladesh Live News.

An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who did not wish to be named, told News Bangla, "Although the heads of missions of almost all countries were called at a very short notice, they or their representatives came."



"However, we did not find any representative of China. The ambassador might be busy with important work, but he could send a representative if he wanted. We are a little surprised that it was not sent," he added. Despite being part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and enjoying growth in trade and investments, Bangladesh refuses to be China's lackey.

Dhaka takes note of Beijing's absence over Myanmar border tensions discussion

China skipped Bangladesh's discussion over Myanmar's military activities on the border. Dhaka did not take China's non-response as normal. The Ministry of External Affairs of Bangladesh says they have "noticed" the matter. On the other hand, experts say that they are not "surprised"...

www.rtvonline.com

A friend in need is a friend indeed. China needs MM more than it needs Bangladesh. It is supporting the military Junta in MM since it came to power. It could not have captured power without the tacit Chinese approval.

চোরে না শোনে ধর্মের কাহিনী। China is also the same. MM is in its heart and it gives only lip service to BD. BD seems to be blind with a one-way love toward China. Both China and Russia are two enemy countries of BD.

So, BD must show prudence and maturity when it is China. China is not a BD friend. China needs Burma because it wants Rakhine gas and wants to use the Sittwe Port for its foreign trades.

A destabilized Rakhine will cause China to involve more with the Junta and America with BD. So, all the BD's diplomatic relationships must be re-aligned in that light.

 

[Destranator]

A friend in need is a friend indeed. China needs MM more than it needs Bangladesh. It is supporting the military Junta in MM since it came to power. It could not have captured power without the tacit Chinese approval.

চোরে না শোনে ধর্মের কাহিনী। China is also the same. MM is in its heart and it gives only lip service to BD. BD seems to be blind with a one-way love toward China. Both China and Russia are two enemy countries of BD.

So, BD must show prudence and maturity when it is China. China is not a BD friend. China needs Burma because it wants Rakhine gas and wants to use the Sittwe Port for its foreign trades.

A destabilized Rakhine will cause China to involve more with the Junta and America with BD. So, all the BD's diplomatic relationships must be re-aligned in that light.

China and Russia are not enemies of Bangladesh; they just have greater stakes in Burma. It is not their fault that our policymakers are morons who lack foresight and ability to think strategically.

Having said that, China and Russia do not deserve uncoditional support from Bangladesh either as we too have to do what is in our best interests. At this stage, we are better off aligning closely with the wider Western world and their allies (except India and Israel) on national security matters.

 

[BananaRepublicUK]

China and Russia are not enemies of Bangladesh; they just have greater stakes in Burma. It is not their fault that our policymakers are morons.

Having said that, China and Russia do not deserve uncoditional support from Bangladesh either as we too have to do what is in our best interests. At this stage, we are better of aligning closely with the wider Western world and their allies.

This is why we shouldn’t listen to idiots who think we should get into bed with China.

Neither India nor China will ever be allies of BD.

In fact, both would support Burma.

We need to slowly wean ourselves away from Chinese military hardware. This would also stop the hyper ventilation from India.

Our dealing with India and China should be nothing more than commercial.

Our military ties need to be with countries like Turkey and Indonesia.

 

[MH.Yang]

This is further confirmation that China would be of no help in a conflict with Burma. In fact, China's "non-interference" charade might extend to not helping Bangladesh against India.
What Bangladesh needs is to kick off extensive military collaboration with West-friendly nation such as Turkey, South Korea, Indonesia, etc. to build up a strong local domestic military industry. In the short term, we have no choice but to buy/lease Western hardware despite strings as anything is much better than the current state of neutered military readiness.
Go for F-16s for MMRCAs if the US blocks Gripens. Other F-16 operators with advanced aerospace industries like Turkey, Indonesia, etc. might be able to help us keep the fleet operational in the long term if/when there are delays in US supply of spares and maintenance support. Bangladesh will never take an outright anti-US stance anyway so outright sancations at any point are unlikely.
A pro-West stance will take Bangladesh closer to the developed world in general - no fully developed nation is anti-West.
For instance, South Korea and Indonesia might be happy to welcome BD into the KF-21 and K-FX programs.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. China needs MM more than it needs Bangladesh. It is supporting the military Junta in MM since it came to power. It could not have captured power without the tacit Chinese approval.

চোরে না শোনে ধর্মের কাহিনী। China is also the same. MM is in its heart and it gives only lip service to BD. BD seems to be blind with a one-way love toward China. Both China and Russia are two enemy countries of BD.

So, BD must show prudence and maturity when it is China. China is not a BD friend. China needs Burma because it wants Rakhine gas and wants to use the Sittwe Port for its foreign trades.

A destabilized Rakhine will cause China to involve more with the Junta and America with BD. So, all the BD's diplomatic relationships must be re-aligned in that light.

This is why we shouldn’t listen to idiots who think we should get into bed with China.

Neither India nor China will ever be allies of BD.

In fact, both would support Burma.

We need to slowly wean ourselves away to Chinese military hardware. This would also stop the hyper ventilation from India.

Our dealing with India and China should be nothing more than commercial.

Our military ties need to be with countries like Turkey and Indonesia.

We were also shelled by Burma.

China says five injured by artillery shells from Myanmar

Shelling from neighbouring Myanmar on Thursday wounded five people in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, state media reported on Friday, the latest incidence of cross-border fire that has strained ties between the neighbours.

www.reuters.com

 

[Destranator]

We were also shelled by Burma.

China says five injured by artillery shells from Myanmar

Shelling from neighbouring Myanmar on Thursday wounded five people in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, state media reported on Friday, the latest incidence of cross-border fire that has strained ties between the neighbours.

www.reuters.com

The concern here is greater than just an isolated incident of shelling. China continues to avoid contributing meaningfully to the process of repatriating Rohingyas to their own land.
The series of events since 2017 has clearly demonstrated that China is unwilling to assist BD against Burmese misdeeds.
It is Bangladesh's fault for relying heavily on China. Time for course correction.
China is a friend of BD but not a military ally.

 

[BananaRepublicUK]

The concern here is greater than just an isolated incident of shelling. China continues to avoid contributing meaningfully to the process of repatriating Rohingyas to their own land.
The series of events since 2017 has clearly demonstrated that China is unwilling to assist BD against Burmese misdeeds.
It is Bangladesh's fault for relying heavily on China. Time for course correction.
China is a friend of BD but not a military ally.

Correction China is neither a friend nor ally of BD.

China is a reliable commercial partner of BD. Nothing more and nothing less.

India is also not a friend or ally of BD. And somewhat unreliable commercial partner.

We need to build strong military alliances with Turkey and Indonesia.

And maintain good relationships with west.

 

[Destranator]

Correction China is neither a friend nor ally of BD.

China is a reliable commercial partner of BD. Nothing more and nothing less.

You cannot simply ignore what China has done for Bangladesh since 1975. They have donated and provided cheap loans worth tens of billions of dollars, transferred various civilian and military technologies without strings, supported various infrastructure projects on highly competitive/concessional terms, etc.. They have been among the quickest in releasing funds whenever Bangladesh needed them.
We would not have a standing military today had China attached strings.
We can walk and chew gum at the same time i.e., acknowledge Chinese contributions till date while also recognising limits of Chinese friendship and adjusting policies accordingly.
Militarily, we must now turn towards the West + their allies.

 

[S10]

It's not China's responsibility to mediate and intervene in your border problems. The only country that has military protection provided by China written into a treaty is North Korea.

Solve your own beef with Myanmar.

 

[Destranator]

It's not China's responsibility to mediate and intervene in your border problems. The only country that has military protection provided by China written into a treaty is North Korea.

Solve your own beef with Myanmar.

Exactly. China has no obligation to side with Bd.
Morons in Bd government need to do what is necessary to "solve the beef with Myanmar" instead of trusting China on this topic.
In this case, aligning with the West militarily is the only solution.

 

[SoulSpokesman]

Simplest solution is for BD to seek friendly relations with MM, and seek a repatriation of Rohingyas to Pakistan. The Fortress of Islam role is best left to Pakistan.

Regards

 

[BananaRepublicUK]

Simplest solution is for BD to seek friendly relations with MM, and seek a repatriation of Rohingyas to Pakistan. The Fortress of Islam role is best left to Pakistan.

Regards

What an idiotic and bigoted comment!!

Do you feel better now?!!

 

[Abu Shaleh Rumi]

We might cheer Chinas anti india activity but China isn't a friend of ours and never will be. We have very different way to see this world...

We can join anti china camp without thinking twice. For us China is just a business partner. We don't have anything among us to bond...

 

[Bilal9]

It is not that China does not WANT to resolve the Rohingya problem. In fact the Chinese Foreign Ministry participated in very early efforts to resolve it in 2017 with FM Wang Yi stepping in.

China proposed three-phase plan for Rohingya issue

China has proposed a three-phase plan for resolving the Rohingya crisis, starting with a ceasefire, that has won the support of Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Foreign Ministry said.

www.reuters.com

It is clear that this is a deliberate problem created in order to cleanse an ethnic group from a certain area.

Myanmar soldiers confess to Rohingya massacre: 'Shoot all that you see'

The testimony marks the first time members of Myanmar’s military have admitted to what the U.N. and international prosecutors call a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya.

www.nbcnews.com

However the problem can also be attributed to the immaturity on the Bangladesh FM side. Bangladesh is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

1. On the one hand - repatriation of the Rohingya back to Myanmar seems farther and farther away as conscientious voices in the West die down farther, weighed down by the ongoing skirmishes and economic concerns at home (EU and US).
2. On the other hand, the Arakan Army is taking advantage of the weakness of the Junta in Naypyidaw and trying to liberate Arakan using force, if they are finally able to do this, they agreed to repatriate the Rohingya back to Arakan.
3. China does not want to take sides in this internal skirmish in Myanmar for its own interests. Neither does Bangladesh, for stability and economic reasons.
4. Everyone (including UN) is happy just feeding this large group of people at the time. And ignoring the damage that these refugees are causing in Bangladesh, for now. These people (at least partly) are becoming a security and law/order problem locally.

So - it is just not China that does not want to solve the problem. It is also the West.

If the West wanted to sanction the Tatmadaw more severely - they could. But they are too busy with far bigger problems of their own.

So what is the solution?

1. Solve it by economic pressure. All foreign investments by Japan, Korea, S'pore and ASEAN countries could be withdrawn from Myanmar and that would be the leverage needed economically to force the hand of the Tatmadaw. But Bangladesh does not have that leverage other than appealing to the ASEAN countries and Japan/Korea to pressure the Tatmadaw economically. It has done very little so far on this front.
2. Solve it by pressure from groupings like OIC that Bangladesh is a member for. Which is already ongoing. This momentum should be maintained.

https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=4518&refID=1255

This is where future effort is going from Bangladesh and where it SHOULD go.