Rohingya crisis: Forming tripartite panel a test for China

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Sheikh Shahariar Zaman
Published : 02:00, Oct 09, 2019 | Updated : 02:00, Oct 09, 2019

Rohingya refugees carry bricks to a construction site at the Balukhali camp in Cox`s Bazar, Bangladesh, April 8, 2019. REUTERS/File PhotoBangladesh has sought help from Asian powerhouse, China, to solve the Rohingya crisis. While China follows a different policy on the matter, Beijing has responded to Bangladesh government’s request and has become involved in the repatriation process.
Last month, Beijing proposed the formation of a tripartite committee, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and China but that has not seen the light of day as yet. Several sources say that the process is delayed due to Myanmar’s opposition.
Rohingya children are seen at a refugee camp in Cox`s Bazar, Bangladesh, Mar 7, 2019. REUTERS/File PhotoOne government official said: “China requested us several times to settle the matter bilaterally which was not possible. But now, Myanmar is unwilling to be part of tripartite talks.”
Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Foyez Ahmad, comments: “China is Asia’s biggest power and has border with Myanmar; if Myanmar refuses to listen to China then Beijing has to take steps.”
China may not take the side of Myanmar at the UN Security Council and give pressure in a different way, he added.
A banyan tree is seen at Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, November 16, 2018. REUTERSFormer Bangladesh defence attaché to Myanmar, Shahidul Huq, said: “China has always patronized Myanmar and the economic relation between the two is robust; state councilor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi is admired in the West and after coming to power, blocked several billion Dollar Chinese projects; but after the Rohingya crisis began, they became favourable to the projects.”
If Myanmar does not respond to the current Chinese proposal for trilateral talks, then China may have to take assertive stances, said the former defence attaché.

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