Responding to questions regarding India's objections, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party and should be free from third-party influence."
The Teesta River basin is located close to India's strategically significant northeastern region, making the proposed Bangladesh-China collaboration a matter of concern for New Delhi. India's apprehensions are primarily linked to the project's proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the Chicken's Neck, which serves as the narrow land corridor connecting India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.
Describing the initiative as an important public welfare project for Bangladesh, Guo Jiakun said, "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."
He further stated that China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh by enhancing coordination in development strategies and expanding collaboration in sectors including economy, trade, water conservancy, and public welfare.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said experts from both countries will conduct a technical feasibility study for the Teesta project for the first time. According to him, both governments have now reached a level of agreement that had not been achieved during previous discussions.
"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," Rahman said.
Bangladesh and China have also agreed to expand cooperation in the management of Bangladesh's rivers, including the Teesta, with India expected to closely monitor any further developments or official announcements related to the project.
Earlier this year, in January, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and Chinese state-owned POWERCHINA signed an extension to their Memorandum of Understanding, advancing the implementation process of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
India's concerns continue to focus on China's increasing involvement near the Siliguri Corridor. Given the strategic importance of the region, any expansion of external influence, particularly by China, is viewed as a potential security challenge that could create strategic vulnerabilities for the critical passage linking India's northeastern region with the rest of the country.
The latest statements from Beijing underscore China's determination to deepen its partnership with Bangladesh on the Teesta project, even as India's strategic and security concerns over the initiative remain firmly in focus.
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