In two separate meetings in Dhaka, the Chinese Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, discussed issues of mutual concern along with the Rohingya repatriation.
The Rohingya crisis, a protracted humanitarian crisis that has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees, continues to attract international interest. In the most recent development, China’s special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Dhaka and resumed discussions regarding the repatriation of the Rohingya. During his recent visit to Dhaka, he prioritized advancing the Rohingya repatriation pilot project in an effort to facilitate the return of 1,176 refugees to Myanmar.
China’s special envoy met separately with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen on Monday. At the State Guest House Padma, the Chinese ambassador conferred with Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official. Later in the afternoon, he paid Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen a courtesy call at the Foreign Service Academy. Both discussions centered on bilateral relations, but the initial repatriation of Rohingya refugees was the primary focus.
Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Beijing confirmed Deng Xijun’s three-day visit to Bangladesh, which began last Sunday.
Before Deng Xijun’s first official visit to Bangladesh, both Dhaka and Beijing confirmed that the issue of Rohingya repatriation would be of the uttermost importance.
This time, the Chinese special envoy traveled to Myanmar prior to his arrival in Bangladesh. He is slated to depart Dhaka today.
China’s diplomatic efforts and the repatriation initiative along with Bangladesh
New Global Light Myanmar reported that China’s special envoy Deng Xijun met with Myanmar’s military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing last Friday. During their conversation, they discussed China’s assistance in establishing peace and stability in Myanmar, as well as preparations for the return of “expatriates” who had departed Rakhine.
According to an official Myanmar website, Chinese Ambassador Deng Xijun met with Myanmar’s Minister of International Aid KoKoHlaing last Friday. During the meeting, he brought up the subject of assisting the Myanmar minister in implementing the plan to repatriate the Rakhine displaced population, among other topics.
Diplomatic sources present at yesterday’s discussions in Bangladesh affirmed that, during his visit to Myanmar, the Chinese special envoy brought up the issue of initiating the repatriation of Rohingya under the tripartite initiative.
AK Abdul Momen, the foreign minister of Bangladesh, stated that many are striving to facilitate the Rohingya repatriation. “I should say they (China) have taken a very good initiative and they are working accordingly,” he added.
In a meeting conducted in Kunming on April 18, China took the initiative to initiate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees under the tripartite management of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. Bangladesh inquired about the Rohingya repatriation plan during the meeting, and it was resolved that 6,000 Rohingyas would be returned to Rakhine in five phases this year, with 1,200 people in each phase. The primary objective was to accomplish a successful pilot repatriation prior to the advent of the monsoon season, thereby facilitating the return of refugees. Due to the unfavorable conditions in Rakhine State, Myanmar, the repatriation procedure could not be initiated as planned, causing delays.
The next December meeting will look at the decisions made at the previous meeting.
The importance of Deng Xijun’s visit
Deng Xijun’s recent visit to Dhaka and Mynamar holds immense importance for several reasons. From Friday’s development, Myanmar has expressed its interest in repatriation, as mentioned by Deng Xijun, during his talks in Dhaka. Bangladesh is also keen on starting Rohingya repatriation, and diplomatic sources affirm that the country has remained committed to its policy of voluntary repatriation to Rakhine. Throughout the repatriation process, Bangladesh aims to maintain this stance, emphasizing the need for a voluntary, safe, and sustainable return, which necessitates Myanmar to create a favorable environment in Rakhine.
Acknowledging the importance of voluntary repatriation, China’s Special Envoy asserted during the recent discussions that all parties should have the confidence to begin the process after the end of the monsoon season. Bangladesh officials emphasize that repatriation must be attempted without prolonged delays. Waiting for years for repatriation is not a viable option.
The Rohingyas have been in Bangladesh for six years, and while initially some expressed interest in returning to Rakhine, later they showed reluctance. Additionally, the West has been opposing China’s initiative for repatriation. Given this situation, Bangladesh is aiming to start repatriation sometime this year.
As the host country to over a million Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh continues to play a vital role in the repatriation process. The densely populated nation emphasizes the urgency of repatriation as the only solution to the crisis.
Challenges in Rohingya repatriationand Myanmar’s changing stance
Despite the concerted efforts made by China and other stakeholders, the repatriation process faces significant challenges. However, despite the decision to repatriate 1,176 Rohingya refugees during the Kunming meeting and the agreement to take an additional 6,000 Rohingyas, fundamental differences between Bangladesh and Myanmar remain unresolved. The repatriation agreement between the two countries initially specified sending 1,500 Rohingyas daily in groups of 300 people for five days a week. However, Myanmar’s current stance is that due to their preparedness, they can only receive 150 Rohingyas daily in groups of 30 people for five days a week. Bangladesh insists on adhering to the terms of the agreement, which require the return of the Rohingyas.
Moreover, during the Kunming meeting, a Rohingya delegation from Cox’s Bazar traveled to Rakhine as part of the preparations for the pilot project of repatriation on May 5. However, upon their return to Cox’s Bazar, the members of the Rohingya delegation expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in Rakhine, citing the absence of a suitable environment or conditions for repatriation.
In the past, Myanmar’s military junta showed reluctance to take back the Rohingya refugees, treating them as foreign interlopers and denying them citizenship. Previous attempts at repatriation in 2018 and 2019 failed as refugees feared prosecution and refused to return.
Lastly, Deng Xijun’s visit holds immense importance in addressing the crisis, and Myanmar’s recent expression of interest in repatriation shows progress. However, the repatriation issue remains a pressing concern, and it is crucial for Myanmar to work collaboratively to ensure a peaceful and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their homeland.
