Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus will meet China’s President Xi Jinping amid strained relations with India. This meeting underscores strengthening Bangladesh-China ties as Yunus has not visited India since taking office. With China as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, analysts predict this relationship may reshape the geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, diminishing India’s influence.

Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday. This meeting highlights the strengthening relationship between Bangladesh and China, especially amidst rising diplomatic tensions with India. Yunus, who assumed office in August, has not visited India since taking power, reflecting the current strained relationships between the two nations.

Yunus succeeded former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a consistent ally of India, who was ousted in August amid violent protests. Hasina has sought refuge in New Delhi, but India has not responded to requests from Bangladesh to extradite her for trial. In contrast, China has been consolidating its relationship with Bangladesh, serving as its largest trading partner with an annual trade volume of $25 billion.

Despite the significant trade volume, Bangladesh’s exports to China total only $1 billion, even with Beijing’s offer of zero-tariff access for various goods. Analysts suggest that as Bangladesh’s ties with India falter, its emerging partnership with China might alter the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, potentially diminishing India’s influence in the region. Furthermore, China’s past military sales to Bangladesh raise security concerns for India.

Notably, Chinese investments in Bangladesh surged following the interim government’s establishment, with 14 firms investing over $230 million, as stated by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen. The Chinese foreign ministry expressed a positive outlook on Yunus’s forthcoming visit, emphasizing the desire to enhance exchanges and cooperation.

China’s engagement in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development includes financing key projects, such as the Padma Bridge rail link and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. Potential outcomes from Yunus’s meeting may involve announcements regarding investments, special economic zones, health initiatives, and discussions on financial loans, as indicated by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin.

In conclusion, Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping signifies a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s foreign relations, especially as its ties with India deteriorate. The burgeoning partnership with China appears to be reshaping regional dynamics, with significant implications for trade, investment, and security in South Asia. Observers will be keen to see the outcomes of this meeting and the potential announcements regarding future collaborations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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