China making efforts to resolve Rohingya crisis
China is making efforts in mediating and facilitating repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar, in order to resolve the crisis, the Chinese embassy said in a statement yesterday.
The statement comes after Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Li Jiming, visited Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar from September 15 to 17, accompanied by officials from ministries of foreign affairs, and disaster management and relief of Bangladesh, and UN High Commission for Refugees.
“The visit is the latest embodiment of China, as a good neighbour and friend of Bangladesh and Myanmar, making efforts in mediating and facilitating repatriation in order to resolve the Rohingya Issue,” the statement said.
It demonstrates the strong determination of China to uphold peace and stability and to promote development and prosperity in the region.”
Under China’s mediation, a tripartite meeting is planned with Bangladesh and Myanmar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week -- where Bangladesh is likely to seek stronger global support in addressing the crisis.
Over 730,000 Rohingyas fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state of Myanmar since August, 2017. Two attempts of repatriation failed despite mediation of China -- a close ally of Myanmar -- over the last two years.
The Chinese government has provided 2,000 tents, 3,000 blankets and 20 million RMB worth of rice to Bangladesh to help the Rohingyas.
During his trip, Ambassador Li Jiming went to camps in Teknaf and Ukhia upzilas in Cox’s Bazar, visited terrestrial and waterside transit centres, and listened to Rohingyas’ concerns and demands.
Ambassador Li said, “The Rakhine state issue is a long-standing one with complicated dimensions of history, ethnicity, and religion; it is China’s firm belief that dialogue and negotiation between Bangladesh and Myanmar is the only way forward, while the international community should play a constructive role as per the wishes of the two countries.”
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