Executive Director Takahara Gives a Special Lecture on Japan–China Relations at Dhaka University

First, Abdullah-Al-Mamun, chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University, introduced and commended the JICA Chair, and Takahara was warmly welcomed as the guest speaker. Yuho Hayakawa, chief representative of JICA’s Bangladesh Office, delivered opening remarks presenting the solid experiences and results of the long-standing development partnership between Bangladesh and JICA.

Takahara identified “competition and cooperation” as the two aspects of neighborhood diplomacy between Japan and China, referring to the compatibility of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In addition, Takahara’s thorough presentation of the analytical framework of Japan–China Relations, identifying four major areas (1. domestic politics, 2. economic interests, 3. international environment and security/sovereignty, and 4. people’s perception/identity), was well received by the participants.

After the lecture by Takahara, Lailufar Yasmin of the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University made valuable comments on the importance of studying the bilateral relations of other countries to learn experiences and lessons, and to directly learn from the scholars of those countries. Participants actively shared their thoughts, observations, and questions with Takahara.