New Delhi: Even as India has expressed its concern, China reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka is not targeted at any third party, reported NDTV.
“I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third-party influence,” Guo said in Beijing Guo Jiakun when asked about India’s concerns over the project.
India has been closely monitoring the proposed river management project as the Teesta basin lies very close to its northeastern region, especially the Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck.
However, China said it is a livelihood project which is important for Bangladesh.
“The comprehensive treatment and restoration of the Teesta River is a livelihood project to which the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance. China is ready to do what it can to support this project,” Guo said.
“China stands ready to seek greater synergy in development strategies with Bangladesh and step up exchange and cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, water conservancy, and livelihood,” he added.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman informed that the experts of both countries will conduct a technical feasibility study on the project.
“Both sides have agreed on this, which was not at the same stage last time. China has said it will provide all possible support to this project, as the feasibility study justifies it,” Khalilur added.
Beijing has reached an agreement to increase cooperation in managing Bangladesh’s rivers, including the Teesta.
Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and Chinese state-owned POWERCHINA in January agreed to extend a memorandum of understanding, following which the Teesta project is being fast-tracked.
China’s presence in the area could heighten India’s security concerns in an area that connects India’s northeast to the rest of the country.
At a time when India and China are trying to address the mutual trust deficit and look to be moving to a “new level of development,” the proposed Teesta project could be a new flashpoint in bilateral relations.
