China’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, said no storm can hold back the forward march of relations between the two countries, describing the friendship as serving the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforming to the trend of the times.

Speaking at a reception on Wednesday in Dhaka marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Yao also highlighted China’s economic progress and its role in international affairs. The Chinese economy grew 4.7 percent in the first half of 2026, maintaining sound development despite international energy shortages and severe disruptions to industrial and supply chains, he said.

Yao also noted China’s role as the largest developing country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, saying it had consistently supported the UN-centred international system and advanced the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.

This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, he said, noting its role in China’s economic growth and social stability.

Yao said 2026 marks the 51st anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh and the 10th anniversary of China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation. “China supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising governance, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes external interference and supports Bangladesh in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first visit to China this year elevated bilateral relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, injecting strong impetus into the long-term development of bilateral ties, Yao said. China-Bangladesh relations are now at their best in history, he added.

Yao said: “China-Bangladesh relations are now at their best in history. The China-Bangladesh friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforms to the trend of the times; no storm can hold back the forward march of our relations.”

The ambassador, who has served in Bangladesh for three years and nine months and is due to leave his post in a few days, said he had witnessed the country’s political transformation and the historic choices it made at a critical juncture.

He expressed deep admiration for the resilience and national dignity demonstrated by Bangladeshis, who, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, had embarked on a new path of reform and development.

Reflecting on his time in Bangladesh, Yao said he had been deeply impressed by the optimism and drive of the country’s young people, noting that they are “a nation’s most precious treasure and the very future of the country.”

“I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow of Bangladesh,” he said.

He also recalled the warm greetings and sincere smiles he had encountered across Bangladesh, saying they had made him feel the friendship of Bangladeshi people towards the Chinese people. Yao said he had formed many personal friendships in Bangladesh and would treasure the evenings of heartfelt conversations and days spent walking side by side.

As he prepares to leave Bangladesh, Yao said he felt “profound attachment and reluctance to part.”

“I firmly believe that the future of China-Bangladesh relations will be ever brighter and the road of our friendly cooperation ever wider,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador said: “May the China-Bangladesh friendship remain evergreen forever! May both our countries enjoy prosperity and our peoples happiness and well-being!”