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THE Chinese Premier Comrade Wen Jiabao is coming to Bangladesh at the time of heightened glory of the Chinese economy. At the same time the global politico-economic scenario is also passing through a very complex and fragile situation. Comrade Wen Jiabao has to his credit magnificent record of both economic and political management.
His first visit to the South Asian countries as Prime Minister is a significant event to promote bilateral relations. We know that the practice of China's foreign policy fully demonstrates that China is a positive factor and a strong force in the maintenance of regional and world peace. China's development contributes to global stability and a prosperous China means a strong force for peace.
The Communist Party of China under the leadership of comrade Mao Zedong had formulated the non-aligned movement and under the leadership of comrade Deng Xiaoping had correctly taken the decision to reform Chinese economy for the strategic good of socialist moderation. Since the third plenary session of the 11th central committee of the CPC in 1978, China has carried out the policy of reform and opening up to the outside world. As a result, China's economy developed rapidly and the people's living standard rose markedly. Comrade Deng Xiaoping's theory on socialism with Chinese characteristics is a milestone in the history of the Chinese economic development as well as in the history of the Communist movement.
A politically stable and economically strong socialist China will be able to contribute to the cause of peace, stability and economic development in the regional and world politics. Comrade Hu Jintao said in the third ICAPP (International Conference of Asian Political Parties) in last September, "China cannot develop without Asia, and Asia cannot prosper without China." If Asia will prosper, the world will enjoy sustained peace and common prosperity.
In the past 27 years of reform and opening up to the outside world, great achievements have been made in the cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, which have attracted world attention. The economic restructuring is going on vigorously with the effective increase in supply capacity. Fresh progress has been registered in agricultural restructuring. High-tech industries developed rapidly with much of high-tech knowledge turned into productive forces. The reform of the state-owned enterprises is basically finished and many who had to face layoffs are re-employed. Holiday economy shows the enormous potentiality of market. All these bear testimony to the fact that China is now the country with fastest and most stable economic development.
The Chinese nation underwent enormous hardships in history yet ethnic unity and national unification have always been the mainstream in records of the Chinese civilisation. Complete reunification of the country is a lofty goal that the Chinese people have cherished from generation to generation. The return of Hong Kong and Macao to the motherland has brought prosperity in Asia. Taiwan is and inalienable part of China. The basic principles of peaceful reunification an "one country, two systems" to solve the Taiwan question represent the common aspiration of all Chinese people and the overwhelming historical trend of China's development. "Adoption of Anti-Secession Law" on 14 March in the Chinese National People's Congress is a unique basis to establish China's sovereignty over Taiwan. The "Anti-Secession law" is of great importance to oppose and check the reckless secessionist activities in the name of "Taiwan independence", and to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the Taiwan straits and the Asia Pacific region.
The international events which were concluded successfully including the China ASEAN Countries economic forum, APEC summit, six-nation cooperation including Russia and Asian Economic forum in Islamabad and the like will greatly promote China's positive contribution to the cause of peace and development. The entry of China in World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a significant event.
China is seeking to develop itself in a peaceful environment and is at the same time promoting world peace. China in its wisdom has found an independent development road to build socialism with Chinese characteristics through involvement in, not in isolation from, economic globalisation. It will develop productive forces and promote peace. China will not see political confrontation as its target. The policies of opening up and participation in the globalisation have paid off due to the enlightened management and leadership.
In so far as development of countries like Bangladesh is concerned, globalisation has brought its ills and the resistance to globalisation has been going on, without the benefit of foresight, deep analytical understanding and the firmness of policy, political parties in leadership were unable to guide the countries through a few turbulent decades. Inadequate understanding led to the lack of any alternative growth of the industry or the workforce. The wherewithal to withstand the impact of global opening-up in textiles in the post-MFA era is virtually absent. The rapid urbanisation without basic amenities and without the prospects of alternative employment brings about the prospect of tremendous hardship due to market diversion and concomitant loss of employment.
Market diversion due to globalisation and waiver of concession may be considered by China as something that is helpful for an interim period. Maturity in political leadership and appropriate response to globalisation will occur when the people of Bangladesh are able to make those happen. These types of markets which were the destinations of Bangladeshi products cannot provide any solution to our situation. The Chinese policy of peaceful rise may also incorporate Asian countries like Bangladesh. Political leadership in this complex times and economic settings can only come from fraternal Chinese Communist Party and though a deep understanding, exchange and goodwill.
As a member of SAARC we also want regional cooperation with China as China is our trusted and dependable friend. South Asia constitutes one-third of Asia. It is a very important part of the world. Without stability and development of South Asia, there will be no peace and prosperity in Asia. As a close neighbour of South Asia, China sincerely wants to see that South Asian countries treat each other as equals, live in harmony and resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations. We think that China will, as always, support the regional cooperation and all efforts that are beneficial to peace, stability and development in the region. We also think that China will stand for the seven (SAARC countries)+1 China mechanism promoting cooperation between SAARC and China.
During the visit of Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Prime Minister to the country, the Bangladesh government should raise this issue. Establishment of China-SAARC free trade economic zone will help promote good neighbourly ties, mutual trust and cooperation in the region. China always opposes hegemonies and power politics and gives importance to sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country. For this reason, most of the countries of South Asia feel comfortable with China.
As the beginning of a news century is looming, grater opportunities and challenges lie ahead. We hope that the Chinese people are willing to continue to strive for world peace and development together with the Bangladeshi people, strengthen Bangladesh-China friendship and jointly create splendid future for the two counties and their bilateral relations.
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The writer is General Secretary of Central Committee, Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal
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