Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, said China respects Bangladesh's right to resolve trade disputes with the United States through equal dialogue and supports it in defending its legitimate interests, as he criticised Trump-led US tariffs on Bangladesh ahead of the looming August 1 deadline.
"The United States imposed a 35% tariff on Bangladesh, one of the least developed countries, which is neither reasonable nor ethical," he said.
He made these statements at a "DCAB Talk" hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Yao said they note that Bangladesh and the US are intensifying tariff talks. "These talks, which have drawn widespread attention, concern Bangladesh's sovereignty and economic future," he said.
Moreover, he also emphasised China's support for Bangladesh in upholding WTO rules and the multilateral trading system, and in maintaining normal trade and exchanges with China.
When asked about the nature of the said obstacles, Ambassador Yao said, "You know it!"
"In the face of unilateralism and protectionism, no country is immune to it. If international trade plunges back to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, everyone will become a victim," he said.
Ambassador Yao said China stands ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Bangladesh to jointly resist unilateral bullying and defend global fairness and justice.
The envoy said that since the Trump administration took office, the US has rolled out a series of unilateral tariffs, including so-called 'reciprocal tariffs', a textbook case of trade bullying.
These measures 'blatantly violate' WTO rules, disrupt global industrial and supply chains, and hinder world economic recovery, he said.
"Worse still, the US is now weaponising tariffs to strong-arm others into so-called reciprocal tariff negotiations. This is nothing but hegemonic politics and unilateral bullying disguised as reciprocity," he added.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, with deepening ties after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami government.
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