Chinese envoy expresses hope for Rohingya repatriation before Bangladeshi polls

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen expressed hope for the Rohingya repatriation to begin before the national elections in Bangladesh.

“China is working with Bangladesh and Myanmar for the repatriation of Rohingyas,” the ambassador said while speaking at an event in Cox’s Bazar on Friday (10 November).

Yao Wen emphasised that China is actively working on the Rohingya repatriation issue with Bangladesh and Myanmar, stating, “We hope to initiate the repatriation by sending some of them to Myanmar through a pilot project before the national elections in Bangladesh.

“They can return whenever the situation is right. It can be before or after the elections. Even though we are very close to the repatriation, some efforts are still needed. We are working towards it,” he said.

Yao Wen highlighted the lengthy process involved in the repatriation initiative and expressed China’s commitment to finding a solution.

“China considers Bangladesh and Myanmar as good friends, and they trust us. China is working as a mediator on their request. We have brought them together to find a solution so that the Rohingya community can return to their homeland,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress, Yao Wen said, “Representatives from Myanmar came to Cox’s Bazar, and some of the Rohingyas visited Rakhine. I believe there is a common ground here that will allow the return of some Rohingya through the pilot project. Our goal is to repatriate some of them as quickly as possible.”

Yao Wen stressed the need for international collaboration, stating, “Not only Bangladesh and Myanmar, but the international community also need to work together here. Some argue that the situation in Myanmar is not conducive to repatriation, but these Rohingya cannot stay in Bangladesh for an indefinite period. We need to find a solution so that they can return.”

During the event, ten medical equipment items were transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital from the Chinese Embassy.

Earlier, the Chinese ambassador was welcomed at Zila Sadar Hospital with flowers at 12pm.

Following the handover of medical equipment, Ambassador Yao Wen proceeded to tour the hospital’s wards and medical facilities.

The Chinese ambassador also presented seven types of equipment to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).