United News of Bangladesh

Taiwan and eastern China remained on high alert as Typhoon Bavi moved closer on Saturday after bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Japan's southern islands. The typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour (89 mph), is expected to pass north of Taiwan before heading toward China's eastern coast. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the storm is forecast to move toward Zhejiang province and make landfall in the early hours of Sunday, according to China's National Meteorological Center. In Japan's Okinawa prefecture, authorities warned residents about high waves, powerful winds and storm surges. More than 200 flights were cancelled across the region, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported. Islands including Ishigaki were hit by heavy rain and strong winds. In Taiwan, the Central Emergency Operation Center said at least 36 people had been injured by Saturday morning. Many were hurt while riding motorcycles on wet and slippery roads during the storm. Authorities also evacuated 14,210 people from different parts of the island, including Hualien County and the central city of Taichung. Schools and government offices remained closed in most areas on Saturday. In southeastern China, coastal cities stepped up preparations as the storm approached. In Ningde city of Fujian province, more than 3,700 residents had been moved from high-risk coastal areas by Friday evening, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. Provincial authorities have also placed more than 17,000 emergency rescue workers on standby. China's National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for the typhoon, the second-highest level in its four-tier warning system. Many schools and ferry services were suspended, hundreds of flights were cancelled and some high-speed train services were halted. The weather agency also issued its first red alert of the year for heavy rain, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Chinese authorities are investigating a devastating fire at a shoe factory in the southeastern province of Fujian that killed 28 people, once again highlighting ongoing concerns over workplace safety in the country. State-run Xinhua News Agency reported Friday that search operations had ended and investigators were working to determine the cause of Thursday's fire, which destroyed the Fujian Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, one of China's largest footwear manufacturing centres. According to product listings on online sales and import platforms, Fujian Huiteng manufactures shoes for both Chinese and international brands. Footage aired by local media showed several people trapped on the roof of the five-storey factory as thick black smoke billowed from the building. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze, with water from fire hoses initially failing to reach flames on the upper floors. Xinhua said the factory owner and managers have been arrested, while the company's bank accounts have been frozen. Authorities said 237 factory workers and two visitors were inside the building when the fire broke out. Of the 213 people rescued, two later died in hospital. The remaining 26 people who had been reported missing were later confirmed dead, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The tragedy is the latest in a series of deadly industrial accidents in China despite repeated government efforts to improve workplace safety. In May, an explosion at a fireworks factory in Changsha, Hunan province, killed at least 37 people. Last year, a fire at a refrigeration facility under construction in Xinyu, Jiangxi province, claimed 39 lives. Chinese authorities have repeatedly instructed businesses to identify and remove workplace hazards. Official figures show that 18,261 people died in nearly 20,000 workplace accidents across China in 2025, a decline from the previous year. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a swift investigation into the fire and called for those responsible to be held fully accountable. Jinjiang, known as China's "shoe capital," is home to thousands of footwear factories and produces about one-fifth of the world's athletic shoes—more than one billion pairs each year—according to state media and industry reports. The city's rise from small workshops to a major export manufacturing hub, often described by Xi as the "Jinjiang Experience," is widely seen as a model of China's industrial development. CCTV reported that the fire started on the ground floor of the concrete building, where a workshop and warehouse were located. A local fire official said large quantities of shoe sole materials stored in stairwells blocked firefighters' access and hampered rescue efforts. The materials were highly flammable, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. The fire department deployed 183 firefighters and 35 vehicles to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control after about four hours. Xinhua later reported that more than 500 people took part in the rescue and search operation.

China's recent launch of a ballistic missile into the South Pacific was widely seen by security experts as a clear message to the United States, highlighting Beijing's growing nuclear capabilities despite criticism from countries in the Pacific region. The missile, launched on Monday from a nuclear-powered submarine, marked one of the few public tests of a nuclear-capable weapons system by China. It came two years after a similar launch over international waters in the Pacific. While several Pacific island nations criticised the test, saying the region should not become a stage for rivalry between major powers, analysts said the main audience for the launch was Washington. "The key message is that the People's Liberation Army is becoming a stronger military force with a powerful strategic nuclear capability," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow with the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The launch showcased the sea-based part of China's nuclear triad — its ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea and air. It also demonstrated what military experts call a "second-strike capability," meaning China could still retaliate with nuclear weapons even if it were attacked first. Dominic Meagher, a research fellow at Australia's Crawford School of Public Policy, said the submarine launch showed that China's nuclear forces could respond from anywhere, making them harder to eliminate in a first strike. China described the launch as part of its annual military exercises, leading experts to believe similar tests could become more common. "I see this as part of a broader strategy rather than a one-time event," said K. Tristan Tang, a nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research. The missile test comes as China continues expanding its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, China has built these submarines at a faster pace than the United States over the past five years. Pacific nations raise concerns The launch drew criticism from Pacific countries because the missile landed in waters covered by the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, created under the 1986 Treaty of Rarotonga. The region has a painful history of nuclear testing. The United States, Britain and France carried out nuclear tests in the Pacific during the last century, leaving lasting environmental damage and health problems, including cancers and birth defects that some island communities say continue to affect generations. Meagher said those experiences led to international agreements aimed at preventing future nuclear testing in the region. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale criticised China's action, saying while China is an important partner, "this is not something a friend does" and is not good for the region. Although the United States still conducts missile tests in the Pacific, Meagher noted that they avoid the treaty-protected nuclear-free zone. Regional powers question lack of notice Australia and New Zealand said they received very little advance warning about the launch, while Japan criticised China for not being transparent. Australia and New Zealand have become increasingly concerned about China's growing influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has strengthened ties with several island nations through security and development agreements. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking during a visit to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday, described the launch as "a provocative act" that could increase tensions in the region. "The fact that this test took place with very little notice is a real concern," he said. China defended the launch, saying it had informed relevant countries in advance and that the exercise was conducted openly and transparently. Experts noted that while the Hague Code of Conduct encourages countries to provide at least 24 hours' notice before ballistic missile launches, the code is voluntary and China is not a member. Uncertainty over missile type Questions also remain over exactly which missile was launched. Taiwan's National Security Council said it was likely a JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile fired from waters off Guangdong province in southern China. However, Chinese state media quoted military experts as saying the launch probably involved the newer JL-3 missile, which has a much longer range and is capable of reaching targets across the Pacific. Analysts say that as China expands its military power, it is likely to face greater international scrutiny over its weapons development and military activities.  

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday sought China's support for an early resolution of the Rohingya crisis and the repatriation of the displaced Myanmar nationals to their homeland. He made the request when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met him at his office-cum-residence in Dhaka. The two leaders held cordial and fruitful discussions on a range of issues relating to the mutual interests of Bangladesh and China, said a press release of the Parliament Secretariat. They expressed optimism that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to grow stronger, particularly in the fields of economic cooperation, politics, trade and diplomacy. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to working together to further accelerate bilateral cooperation and promote development and shared prosperity. The meeting included detailed discussions on the proposed Teesta Barrage Mega Project, the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, Chinese investment in Bangladesh and several proposed development projects. Both sides underscored the significance of the historic friendship between Bangladesh and China, describing it as a key pillar for promoting the welfare of the two peoples, expanding bilateral trade, strengthening development cooperation and enhancing cultural exchanges. They expressed hope that Bangladesh-China relations would become deeper and more multifaceted in the years ahead.

At least five people were killed and 12 others remained trapped after a landslide struck northwestern China's Gansu province on Tuesday, according to state media. The landslide occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in Nanhe township of Longnan city, burying 33 people, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Rescue teams pulled several people from the debris, but efforts were continuing to reach those still trapped. The cause of the landslide was not immediately known. Images broadcast by state-run CCTV showed excavators and rescue workers searching through large piles of earth in a heavily forested area under clear skies. Authorities evacuated nearby residents as rescue operations continued.

China's military has promoted two senior officers to the rank of general, a move that could signal a broader leadership reshuffle after years of anti-corruption investigations removed several top commanders. The latest promotions are widely seen as part of efforts to strengthen the military's loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping. Xi, who also heads the armed forces, awarded the promotions to Zhang Shuguang and Air Force Commander Wang Gang during a ceremony on Friday. Zhang was also appointed to lead the anti-corruption investigation department under the Central Military Commission (CMC), the military's highest decision-making body. The appointments could position both officers to fill vacant seats on the seven-member CMC, which has been left with only two active members following the removal of several senior officials in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Xi serves as chairman of the commission, while Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin is currently its only other active member. The campaign has led to the removal or sidelining of two former vice chairmen, including the military's highest-ranking general. A new Central Military Commission is expected to be announced in the autumn of next year when the current five-year term ends.

Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China is determined to build an economic corridor with Bangladesh and Myanmar, stressing that the game is not end here and they remain open to other countries to join. “This cooperation is not the end of the game. We are open, and we welcome other countries if they are ready (to join). But it is up to them to decide whether they want to be part of it or whether they prefer to wait and see. China is determined to work with Bangladesh and Myanmar to build the economic corridor,” he said while responding to a question during a media briefing at the Embassy of China.  Ambassador Yao made the remarks when his attention was drawn to a corridor originally conceived in 1999 as the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor under the BCIM Forum. “I believe Myanmar also wants to have this sort of cooperation and our three countries can construct this connectivity (economic corridor).” The two sides, during the just-concluded visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to China, discussed proposals to strengthen regional connectivity, particularly multimodal transport links from Kunming to Bangladeshi ports, as well as China’s proposal for the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said the issue of building an Economic Corridor is not new and there were discussions on Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor but there had been no progress. Director at the Embassy Zhang Jing and Counselor Song Yang were also present at the media briefing that described the visit as a "complete success." "It's a complete success. It's a milestone in Bangladesh-China relations which reached a new strategic height," said the Ambassador. “The visit has injected strong momentum into the future development of China-Bangladesh relations. The visit was a complete success. It is a milestone in the history of China-Bangladesh relations,” he said. The Ambassador said a new level of trust developed between the two countries with this visit and described the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar China Economic Corridor as a new strategic opportunity. The two sides also agreed to explore new options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between Bangladesh and China, and the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. “We believe these initiatives will open up new strategic opportunities for Bangladesh's economic development,” the envoy said. Teesta: Most Closely Watched Issue Ambassador Yao said the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) was highlighted during the visit as livelihoods of millions of people are involved. "Teesta is a Bangladesh project. It's your project," he added. The envoy said the Teesta project has been one of the most closely watched issues. “During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on water resources cooperation.” Ambassador Yao said China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Bangladesh in water resources planning, river management, flood prevention and disaster reduction. “We will also enhance capacity building and personnel training in the water sector. Let me make one point very clear. China's commitment to the Teesta river project remains unchanged,” he said. The envoy said China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity for the Teesta project and support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study and related work. He also talked about the key achievements of the Prime Minister's visit to China - the launch of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level and the exploration of a "2+2" dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence. Talking about defence cooperation, Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China cooperation is comprehensive and the defence cooperation is part of that. He declined to make comments on any specific defence purchase. “We also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministers and explore a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense,” he said, noting that these arrangements will provide a stronger and more stable platform for strategic communication between the two countries. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance mutual learning on governance, and strengthen cooperation between governments, legislative bodies and political parties. The Ambassador said China has all along attached great importance to the development of Bangladesh-China relations and stayed true to the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh. “No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor and good partner of Bangladesh,” said the Chinese envoy. He said China welcomes Bangladesh's participation in the group of friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to advance the MoU on promoting the implementation of the GDI. The GDI focuses on humanity’s shared development needs, aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and addresses key global development challenges. Reaching a New Strategic Height Ambassador Yao said the most significant outcome of the visit was the decision by the two sides to elevate the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to jointly build a ‘China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.’ He said this represents the highest level of China's relations with its friendly neighbors in Asia. This was the Prime Minister's first visit to China since taking office. It was also the first formal meeting between the leaders of the two countries since the formation of Bangladesh's new government. “The leaders of the two countries had candid and productive discussions. They reached important new consensus and sent a clear message of stronger communication, deeper mutual trust and closer cooperation,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the visit has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh-China friendship. “As our two countries embark on the next golden fifty years of bilateral relations, China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to fully implement the important consensus reached by our leaders and the outcomes of the visit.” Together, the envoy said, they will translate these outcomes into tangible results and stronger momentum for economic and social development, bringing greater benefits to our two countries and our two peoples. Bangladesh and China signed 17 bilateral instruments, including MoUs, agreements, a joint action plan, and an agricultural trade protocol, to further strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides signed an MoU on promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Another MoU on exchanges and cooperation between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China was also signed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China's rapid industrial growth offers a valuable example for developing countries, as he projected greater confidence in the country's role on the global stage. Speaking at an event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party, Xi said China had achieved in just a few decades what took many wealthy nations centuries to accomplish. "We advocate the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, providing Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength for addressing major issues facing humanity," Xi said. Xi, who is in his 14th year as China's leader, said the country is ready to contribute its experience and ideas to help address global challenges. China has long criticized U.S. influence over the international system. While Beijing says it does not seek to replace the existing global order, it wants reforms that better reflect the interests of developing countries. Last year, China engaged in a major trade dispute with the United States that led President Donald Trump to reduce some of the import tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. Xi said the world is going through a period of uncertainty and major change, leaving humanity at a critical turning point. He repeated China's commitment to building a new type of international relationship aimed at promoting global peace and development. His speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing echoed key messages from his address during the Communist Party's 100th anniversary in 2021. These included strengthening China's military and pursuing the country's goal of bringing Taiwan under Beijing's control. Xi also stressed the need to modernize the military more rapidly to meet world-class standards while maintaining the Communist Party's firm leadership over the armed forces. In recent years, several senior military officers have been removed as part of an anti-corruption campaign that analysts say has also helped strengthen Xi's control over the military.  

China has announced a second batch of scientific and engineering achievements from its Qingzhou cargo spacecraft test vehicle, highlighting progress in space technology, low-cost space operations, space medicine and biological research. The latest results were released on Monday by the team behind the Qingzhou test vehicle. The first batch of in-orbit findings was made public on April 15. The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which led the spacecraft's development, said the new achievements will help advance space technologies, improve the safe operation of China's space station and support the future use of space resources. Among the latest developments, an upgraded steam-compression space refrigerator successfully operated in microgravity after overcoming gas-liquid separation challenges. The technology is expected to provide a more affordable solution for transporting temperature-sensitive supplies in space. The team also confirmed the successful in-orbit testing of a space rescue and maintenance diagnostic camera, which is now operating normally. In the field of space medicine, researchers tested a muscle signal detector powered by a self-developed neural chip. The device successfully collected and transmitted weak muscle signals in real time while in orbit. A handheld blood cell analyzer also completed testing, demonstrating its ability to help astronauts monitor their health without relying on bulky medical equipment or support from ground-based teams. The spacecraft also achieved new milestones in space biology. A low-cost biological support cabin designed for space experiments completed its first successful test, providing a reusable platform for future life science research. Researchers also confirmed that Syntrichia caninervis, a plant known for surviving extreme conditions, remained alive after exposure to microgravity, radiation and drought-like conditions in space. The findings could support future efforts to create sustainable ecosystems beyond Earth. Launched in March this year, the 4.2-tonne Qingzhou test vehicle has a planned service life of three years. It features a single integrated cabin with about 27 cubic metres of sealed storage space and 40 cargo slots for astronaut supplies and scientific equipment. After completing a series of key technology demonstrations, the first operational Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is expected to be launched in 2027 to deliver supplies to China's space station.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for closer integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial development, saying stronger quality management is essential to boost the supply of high-quality products and services. Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to east China's Zhejiang Province from Thursday to Saturday. He said China should continue creating new drivers of economic growth and strengthen its competitive advantages to support the country's steady economic recovery. During his tour of the cities of Hangzhou and Yiwu, Zhang visited companies working in sectors such as brain-computer interface technology, robotics and textiles. He described enterprises as the main force behind innovation and said their role should be further strengthened. He urged companies to invest more in basic research, pursue cutting-edge innovation and speed up breakthroughs in key technologies. Zhang also called for expanding the country's AI Plus Initiative by promoting practical applications of artificial intelligence. He said faster development of industry-specific AI models and intelligent agents would help modernize manufacturing, improve productivity and support the transformation of traditional industries into smarter, greener and more integrated operations. During a visit to the Yiwu International Trade City, Zhang reviewed quality control, brand development and regulation of e-commerce platforms. He urged businesses to put quality first, build stronger brands through innovation and develop long-term brand strategies. He also called for stricter action against trademark infringement and counterfeit products in line with the law. The vice premier said platform companies should play a greater role in promoting innovation, supporting economic growth, creating jobs and improving China's competitiveness in global markets while increasing the supply of high-quality products and services.