China Responds to India's Concerns Over Teesta Project

China has responded to India's concerns over the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, stating that cooperation between China and Bangladesh is not directed against any third party and should remain free from external interference.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "I want to emphasize that China-Bangladesh cooperation is not targeted at any third party and should not be subject to interference from any third party."

Guo described the Teesta River project as an important public welfare initiative for Bangladesh and said China is ready to provide support within its capacity.

"The comprehensive management and restoration of the Teesta River is a livelihood project that Bangladesh attaches great importance to. China is prepared to do its utmost, within its capabilities, to support the project," he said.

He added that Beijing is keen to further align development strategies with Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation in areas including economic and trade relations, water resources management, and improving people's livelihoods.

Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Khalilur Rahman said experts from Bangladesh and China will conduct a technical feasibility study for the Teesta project for the first time.

"Both sides have reached an understanding on this issue. Previously, the project had not reached this stage. China has assured us that if the feasibility study yields positive results, it will provide all necessary support for the project," Rahman said.

Bangladesh and China have previously agreed to deepen cooperation on river management, particularly concerning the Teesta River. Any new developments regarding the project are expected to be closely monitored by India.

India's concerns stem largely from China's potential involvement in the Teesta basin, which lies close to the strategically significant Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the "Chicken's Neck." The narrow land corridor connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country, making it a sensitive area from a national security perspective.

Indian security analysts view any increase in the presence of external powers, particularly China, near the corridor as a potential strategic risk.

In January this year, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and China's state-owned POWERCHINA signed an agreement extending the validity of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to the Teesta project, marking further progress in the initiative.

The Teesta River is vital to agriculture, water management, and the livelihoods of millions of people in northern Bangladesh. For years, Bangladesh has emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to improve water management, control floods, prevent riverbank erosion, and boost agricultural productivity in the region.