'We decide our own policy', Bangladesh hits back at China!

Dhaka, May 13: Hitting back at China, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reacted sharply to comments from China's ambassador warning against Dhaka's participation in the US-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad.

 

 

"We are an independent and sovereign state. We decide our foreign policy. Any country can uphold its position. But we will take decisions considering the interest of people and the country," said Momen told the reporters.

 

Amid this, Bangladesh also received diplomatic support from the U.S., who affirmed Bangladesh’s sovereignty to make foreign policy decisions for itself.

 

 

 

Besides, Momen further said none of the Quad members has approached Bangladesh about joining the grouping -- raising the question of why the ambassador brought it up in the first place. Li's remarks, Momen said, were premature. The minister also said it was unusual for China to attempt to interfere in his country's affairs. "We did not expect it from China," he said.

 

This statement comes after Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not join the "Quad", and that Bangladesh's relations with China will "substantially be damaged" if it joins it.

 

 

Quad is a strategic alliance comprising India, the United States, Australia and Japan. It is formed to safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region. On the other hand, China's aggressive actions have been increased in the region most importantly in the South China Sea and in the Greater Himalayan region.

 

Besides these countries, countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and several other nations have reported incidents of intrusions by the Chinese vessels.