Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. File Photo

DHAKA, May 11, 2025 (BSS) - Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today expressed his hope that Chinese modernization could offer some reference for Bangladesh as Bangladesh stands at this “crucial crossroads of transformations.”

“Modernization is a common task for the Global South. In a matter of decades, China has accomplished what took Western nations centuries,” he said. 

He was speaking at the "China-Bangladesh Readers Forum on Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" at a city hotel this afternoon. 

Ambassador Yao said China’s practice offers fresh perspectives and inspires developing nations to pursue their own modernization pathways. 

The envoy said China achieved two miracles—rapid economic growth and sustained social stability, bunking the myth that modernization means Westernization.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who recently accompanied Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus during his visit China, spoke as the chief guest. 

He highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries in key areas. 

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, President of the China International Communications Group (CICG) Du Zhanyuan and deputy Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher also spoke at the event. 

Through the joint efforts of both countries, the Chinese ambassador said they have proudly organized this forum about the Bengali edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (volume one). 

As one of the most important initiatives of the Bangladesh-China year of people-to-people exchanges, Ambassador Yao said this event marks an important part of experience sharing on state governance.

The envoy said that China's neighborhood diplomacy is built upon the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness

"Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" contains important works by Chinese President Xi Jinping, from 2012 to 2022. 

To date, it is published in four volumes with 42 language versions, reaching over 180 countries. 

"You can find it on the bookshelves of nearly 1,700 major libraries worldwide. It is the preferred go-to book for countries to observe and study China," said the ambassador. 

He said this work has gained global recognition as the most influential leadership publication, featuring unprecedented multilingual reach and worldwide distribution. 

"Government leaders and policymakers across continents have actively studied and added it to their collections," said Ambassador Yao, adding, “If one seeks to understand China's success, the answers lie within these pages.” 

This work will open a window for the Bangladeshi readers to understand contemporary China, said the ambassador. 

"Lots of Bangladeshi friends used to ask me how could China lift nearly 100 million people out of poverty. And I told him that you may find the answers in this book," he said. 

China's remarkable socioeconomic transformation would not have been possible without the great theoretical guidance, said the envoy.

Through this important work, the ambassador hoped their Bangladeshi friends will gain deeper insights into China's development path, governance philosophy, and guiding principles.

"This work provides useful reference for Bangladesh on its way to modernization," he said.

"This work is a new platform for us to engage and learn from each other,” said Ambassador Yao.