China-South Asia: China’s modernization benefits all people in the region

Shamim A. Zahedy visits the Great Wall.

My first visit to China took place in October 2016, when I attended a 10-day workshop on the picturesque campus of the Communication University of China in Beijing. The workshop focused on new media, TV, and broadcasting technology and was organized by the China-ASEAN Centre. Although Bangladesh is not a part of ASEAN, we received a special invitation through the Yunnan Daily Press Group, based in Kunming. At the time, I was serving as the executive editor of The Independent, the now-defunct English daily in Bangladesh, which had a content-sharing partnership with Yunnan Daily. Journalists and media professionals from ASEAN countries, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, attended, along with a delegate from Nepal, which is also a non-ASEAN country.

The workshop provided an excellent platform for interaction among a diverse group of media professionals, showcasing China’s willingness to engage with its neighbors through knowledge-sharing and cooperation in media technology. It became clear that China was using such platforms to build relationships beyond trade and diplomacy, fostering cultural and media ties as a foundation for future collaborations.

In September 2024, I visited Kunming, Yunnan, representing Independent Television, one of the leading 24-hour news-based channels in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I participated in the 5th Lancang-Mekong Audiovisual Week, an event aimed at enhancing cooperation between China and South and Southeast Asian nations in broadcasting, television, and online media.

This visit deepened my understanding of China’s strategic approach to building regional cooperation through media and cultural exchanges. These interactions, though less formal than state-level engagements, serve as important steps towards larger collaborations between countries.

Shamim A. Zahedy (left) and his Chinese friend attend an event in Yunnan.

One of the notable observations from these visits is China’s consistent effort to bring its neighbors closer through mutually beneficial initiatives. China not only focuses on infrastructure projects like those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but also emphasizes softer platforms such as workshops, training, and professional exchanges. These initiatives help build trust and understanding among countries in the region.

In terms of China’s recent development, the country has significantly opened up, positioning itself as a key player in the global economy. The BRI is a prime example of how China facilitates international cooperation through infrastructure and connectivity. This initiative comprises a series of concrete projects that meet the specific needs of countries along the route. For Bangladesh, the BRI holds immense potential, especially in terms of infrastructure development, which is crucial for its economic growth. China, now Bangladesh's largest trading partner with a trade volume of about $25 billion annually, primarily supplies capital machinery and raw materials to Bangladesh. China has just announced its decision to grant 100 percent duty-free access to products from Bangladesh along with other least developed countries. The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, recently conveyed this decision during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Jashim Uddin.

What is particularly commendable about China’s foreign policy is its principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. This stance is expected to strengthen trust between China and South Asian nations, including Bangladesh. This respect for sovereignty fosters long-term cooperation, and future collaborations between China and other nations should focus on benefiting all peoples in the region.

The friendship between China and Bangladesh is based on mutual respect and shared interests. This relationship, built by the leaders of both nations over the decades, serves as an example of how countries can coexist and thrive through cooperation. As a journalist, I believe that the media has a crucial role in furthering these ties. Content exchanges and media partnerships can help strengthen the people-to-people relationships that underpin the diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.

Shamim A. Zahedy (left) and his regional peers visit Yunnan.

Looking ahead, I see vast opportunities for collaboration in the media industry, especially with the advent of technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and 3D printing, both China and Bangladesh can modernize their media landscapes and reach wider audiences. This will enable deeper cooperation in online broadcasting and virtual media platforms, opening new avenues for cultural and professional exchanges.

Regarding China’s future development, particularly in the context of the BRI, I am optimistic. The initiative is like a symphony, with each participating country playing its part. The infrastructure initiative offers tangible benefits for countries like Bangladesh. Through infrastructure and connectivity projects, the BRI is bound to improve livelihoods and create new opportunities for growth.

(The author Shamim A. Zahedy is the associate editor of Independent Television in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He can be reached at [email protected])

Trans-editing by Zhang Min and Zu Hongbing