Japan likely to seek clarity on 'fascistic and militaristic revival' clause in Bangladesh-China joint communique
Dhaka, June 28
Japan may seek clarification regarding the content opposing a 'fascistic and militaristic revival' in the Bangladesh-China joint communique.
A clause hinting at Japan has been included in the Bangladesh-China joint statement during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China. It mentioned that, "Both sides agreed that it is essential to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II and oppose any attempts for fascistic and militaristic revival. The two sides expressed support for the postwar international order established by the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and other international legal documents including the U.N. Charter".
According to a Japanese diplomatic source, Beijing dislikes the current regime in Tokyo and frequently employs this terminology, specifically the "fascistic and militaristic revival," to criticise it.
Therefore, the verbatim inclusion of this exact terminology in the Bangladesh-China joint communique has made the matter a serious concern for Japan.
According to a Japanese source, Japan is likely to raise this issue and demand an explanation in any future official discussions with Bangladesh.
Being a close development and economic partner of both Japan and China, endorsing such highly charged rhetoric can accidentally complicate Bangladesh's neutral foreign policy ("Friendship to all, malice towards none") and invite awkward questions during official bilateral talks with Tokyo.
At the invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of China, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an official visit to China from June 22 to 26, 2026 and attended the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 (Summer Davos) in Dalian, China.
During the visit, Xi Jinping, President of China, met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Li Qiang, Premier of China, held talks with Tarique Rahman. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, had a meeting with Prime Minister Rahman.
The two sides conducted an in-depth exchange of views on China-Bangladesh relations and international and regional affairs of common interest and reached a broad consensus.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Japan has every right to seek clarification. The term "fascistic and militaristic revival" is clearly aimed at Tokyo, and for Bangladesh to endorse it verbatim is a diplomatic misstep. Bangladesh needs to balance its relationships with both China and Japan, not pick sides. This could hurt their neutral image. Hope they handle this wisely. 🇮🇳
As an Indian, I find this interesting. Bangladesh is walking a tightrope between China and Japan. While China is a major investor, Japan is also crucial for their infrastructure and development. This clause might be a slap on Japan's wrist from Beijing, but Dhaka should have been more cautious. Neutrality in foreign policy means avoiding such controversial statements. Let's see how Japan responds. 👀
This is typical of China using historical grievances to score political points. The WWII references are always directed at Japan, and Bangladesh shouldn't have agreed to include this language without thinking about the consequences. Japan is a key partner for Bangladesh in areas like connectivity and energy. This move might strain ties. Diplomacy is about nuance, not rhetoric. 🙄
I think Japan's concern is valid. The phrase "fascistic and militaristic revival" is a direct accusation, and for Bangladesh to be part of that statement sends a confusing signal. Bangladesh's foreign policy should be about building bridges, not burning them. This could lead to awkward questions in future bilateral meetings with Japan. A lesson for small nations: be careful with joint communiques. 📝
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.