"Unfortunately, Mr Zheng Pianzhuo, director of the political division at the Chinese embassy in Dhaka, was not referring to the English Premier League or even a Chinese Super League match, when he made these remarks to journalists in Cox’s Bazar on August 22. He was referring to the process of repatriating Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar, and China’s role in that process. It is a role that merits further scrutiny. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar have publicly acknowledged China’s involvement as not just an observer but also a facilitator of repatriation. China orchestrated the first failed repatriation attempt in November 2018. The latest attempt on August 22 came about because of China’s desire to break the deadlock and get the “game” started, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing in early July. China likes to position itself as a constructive partner for both countries, as an unbiased mediator and a counterpoint to meddling Western interests who don’t “get” the conflict..."