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Cultural exchanges are pivotal in fostering lasting friendships between people from different countries. The enduring cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh, spanning over two thousand years, are a testament to this. The 'Belt and Road' strategy and the 'Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor' have further strengthened the relationship between China and Bangladesh. However, it is crucial to remember that these exchanges are not just about economics. Cultural exchanges are equally important, and at times, they even drive economic exchanges.
Cultural diplomacy is a course of action based on the utilisation of the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and other aspects of culture or identity, whether to strengthen relationships or enhance socio-cultural cooperation, promote national interests, and beyond. Cultural relations grow naturally and organically, without government intervention, transactions of trade and tourism, student flows, communications, book circulation, migration, media access, intermarriage, and millions of daily cross-cultural encounters. Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that we should carry forward the cultural spirit that transcends time, space, and countries.Bangladesh and China have enjoyed a well-shaped relationship rooted deep in history. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, China and Bangladesh maintained remarkable diplomatic relations as a neighbouring country.
Since the beginning of the diplomatic relations between these two countries in 1975, the endless efforts of both countries have brought Bangladesh and China closer. As a result, China is the most trusted friend of Bangladesh, and both countries share a progressive, affluent economic relationship. Both countries have settled to increase economic ties to give more importance to bilateral trade, investment, joint ventures, rail and road connectivity, and cultural exchanges than in the past. Bangladesh-China relations have reached a new height with the beginning of the twenty-first century, have become trustworthy friends of each other, and are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial future for both. These efforts were visible in the 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2016 joint statements. China's first high-level visit occurred in 1978, when Vice Premier Li Xiannian visited Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations.
Leaders and Prime Ministers of both countries paid friendly visits to each other's countries to keep better relationships. Several political and diplomatic visits, contacts, and friendly exchanges occurred between administrative agencies, parliamentary bodies, political leaders, cultural troops, journals, business groups, and NGOs between the two countries. For the sake of cooperative relationships, both countries signed some bilateral treaties and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the field of socio-economic and cultural affairs. With the government initiatives, many other social and cultural exchanges, such as the exchange of languages and academic facilities, scholarships, and exchanges of cultural trips, as well as sports and friendship visits, were made between the two parts. With file fold of the diplomatic interrelations, some other exchanges like people-to-people connections (made via, e.g., business tours, tourism, and friendship visits), affiliations of different mass media, religious, and philosophical exchanges also have been furnished, and are still smoothly running on between the two countries. In April 2005, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Bangladesh. The two countries established a comprehensive cooperative partnership featuring long-term friendship, equality, and mutual benefit. Both sides also declared the year 2005 as the "Year of China-Bangladesh Friendship" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Bangladesh's views and insights on Chinese culture are respectful and appreciated. The Bangladeshi people generally respect and appreciate China's traditional culture, such as Confucianism, Chinese medicine, Chinese sports, Chinese foods, and classical literature, and believe these cultural heritages have a profound historical background and wisdom. Attention to China's modern culture with China's rapid development, the Bangladeshi people have also shown great interest in China's modern culture, such as scientific and technological innovation and modern art, and believe that China has made remarkable achievements in the field of modern culture. Bangladeshis hope to further strengthen cultural exchanges with China, enhance mutual understanding and promote common development. Cultural exchanges help eliminate misunderstandings and establish more friendly bilateral relations. In response to China's Global Civilisation Initiative, the spread of cultural exchange can foster understanding and appreciation between China and Bangladesh.
On March 15, 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilisation Initiative at the High-level Dialogue between the Communist Party of China and World Political Parties, advocating respect for the diversity of world civilisations, promoting the shared values of all mankind, attaching importance to the inheritance and innovation of civilisations, and strengthening international cultural exchanges and cooperation. The Global Civilisation Initiative is another Chinese solution provided by China in the new era for mankind to appropriately respond to global challenges, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Since its proposal, the connotation of the Global Civilisation Initiative has become more substantial and complete; the measures have become more in-depth and practical; the enthusiasm of all parties to participate has continued to rise; and the international community has responded more enthusiastically. It has played an essential role in promoting the inclusive coexistence of different civilisations, exchanges, and mutual learning, promoting the modernization process of human society, and prospering the world's garden of civilisations.
In September 1996, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China on her first visit to foreign countries after assuming office. In March 2010, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China. The two countries issued a joint statement to build a "closer comprehensive cooperation partnership." In June 2014, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, paid an official visit to China at the invitation of her counterpart, H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of China. In September 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh in New York. President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Bangladesh are good neighbours, friends, and partners. In October 2016, China's President Xi Jinping made a 'Historic Visit' to Bangladesh and met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Former President Md Abdul Hamid.
During his visit, Bangladesh and China signed 27 deals on cooperation in several sectors. In July 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Beijing and discussed the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, digital economy, climate change, anti-terrorism, Belt and Road Initiative, and the building of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC). In August 2022, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Dhaka. In August 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting in the evening on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in India and discussed the importance of regional peace and stability, enhanced trade and investment, and loan issues.
All the above-mentioned efforts have brought about a promising prospect for Bangladesh-China relations. It has increased the level of assistance, trade and investment, cultural cooperation, and other vital opportunities to ensure mutual benefits for both sides. This time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China has undoubtedly opened a new chapter in China-Bangladesh cultural exchanges. This important visit is not only a deepening of the political and economic cooperation between the two countries but also a stronger and broader bridge in the field of people-to-people exchange. People-to-people exchanges are important for countries to enhance mutual understanding, trust, and friendship. China and Bangladesh have rich historical and cultural heritage, and this visit provides an excellent opportunity for both sides to learn from each other.
In the field of education, we can expect more student exchange programs to be carried out. China's higher education has a high reputation worldwide, and Bangladeshi students are expected to have more opportunities to study in China with scholarships, and learn in-depth about China's advanced knowledge and technology. At the same time, Chinese students will also have more opportunities to enter Bangladesh and learn about its unique education system and cultural heritage. For example, in recent years, the cooperation between Chinese and Bangladeshi universities has been continuously strengthened, and the number of joint training programs has gradually increased, injecting new vitality into the talent training of the two countries.
In terms of culture, exchanges between China and Bangladesh in the fields of art, literature, music, and other fields are expected to deepen further. Bangladesh's traditional dance, music and literary works can be more widely displayed and spread in China, allowing the Chinese people to appreciate the unique charm of Bangladesh. Similarly, China's traditional culture, such as Peking Opera, calligraphy, martial arts, etc., can also enter Bangladesh and enrich the cultural life of local people. For example, the "China-Bangladesh Cultural Festival" held before attracted the participation of many people from both countries and promoted the integration and sharing of cultures.
Finally, the visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China signifies the beginning of a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations. This visit holds the potential to create lasting connections, foster mutual respect, and promote a shared appreciation of cultural diversity. We believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, this chapter will be brilliant, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations.
The writer is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of International Trade and Economics at the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, and a Senior Research Fellow at Daffodil International University Belt and Road Research Centre, Bangladesh.
Messenger/Fameema
