Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting growing ties between Bangladesh and China amidst tensions with India. Yunus has not visited India since taking office, and analysts believe the strengthening relationship with China may reshape South Asia’s geopolitical balance.

Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to conduct his inaugural meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this Friday. This encounter signals a burgeoning relationship between Bangladesh and China amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India, a neighboring country. Since assuming his role in August, Yunus has not visited India, indicating a shift in diplomatic dynamics following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after violent protests.

While Sheikh Hasina, a longstanding ally of India, has sought asylum in New Delhi, India’s reluctance to respond to Bangladesh’s requests for her extradition compounds the tense relationship. Meanwhile, China has solidified its status as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with a substantial annual trade volume of $25 billion. Although Bangladesh is increasingly dependent on Chinese investments, its exports to China are limited to $1 billion despite Beijing offering zero-tariff access for various products.

Experts suggest that as Bangladesh’s ties with India continue to weaken, its alignment with China may significantly alter South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, potentially undermining India’s influence. China’s previous military sales to Bangladesh further exacerbate India’s security concerns. On the investment front, Chinese companies have emerged as the leading investors in Bangladesh since the establishment of the interim government, contributing over $230 million through at least 14 firms, as noted by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, expressed enthusiasm regarding Yunus’s visit, indicating that both nations are eager to enhance cooperation and advance their bilateral relationship. China’s existing involvement in key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh includes financing significant initiatives like the Padma Bridge rail link and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. Expectations for Yunus’s visit include potential announcements related to new investments, the establishment of special economic zones, health projects, and discussions on loans, as conveyed by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Jashim Uddin.

In summary, Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping exemplifies Bangladesh’s strengthening ties with China amid strained relations with India. As Bangladesh increasingly leans on Chinese investments and support, the geopolitical balance in South Asia may shift considerably. The expectations for Yunus’s visit remain high, with prospects for further economic collaboration being at the forefront of discussions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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