Bangladesh has strengthened its relations with China through infrastructure projects and defense discussions, marking a shift under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Key initiatives include the Teesta River project, economic cooperation, and a $2.1 billion financial commitment from China. Yunus’s recent trip to China reflects a strategic pivot in diplomacy, aligning more closely with Beijing amidst ongoing tensions with India.

Bangladesh is enhancing its ties with China through various infrastructure projects, including the Teesta River initiative, a special economic zone in Chittagong, and the expansion of Mongla Port. These discussions have also included the potential purchase of Chinese fighter jets and Dhaka’s support for President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives.

Under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who commenced as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government following Sheikh Hasina’s removal in 2024, a notable pivot towards Beijing has been initiated. Yunus’s four-day visit to China, his first official foreign trip, culminated in a meeting with President Xi Jinping where they laid the groundwork for collaboration on development and connectivity between Kunming and Bangladeshi ports.

The visit resulted in the signing of nine agreements geared towards economic and technical collaboration. Notably, Yunus had initially aimed for a visit to India, but received no response, prompting his journey to China before participating in the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for which a meeting request remains unconfirmed.

Since August 2024, tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated, largely due to Dhaka’s grievances over India’s handling of minority rights claims. Some political factions in Bangladesh suspect India of facilitating Hasina’s extended tenure without legitimate elections. The last visit by a Bangladeshi leader to China occurred in July 2024, shortly before Hasina’s departure from power.

Historically viewed as pro-India, Hasina also fostered military and economic relations with Beijing. The current administration’s joint statements, however, reflect a new policy direction showcasing a willingness to embrace greater Chinese participation, specifically in the Teesta River management project.

The Teesta project, estimated at $1 billion, is aimed at enhancing water management with infrastructure development and has faced scrutiny from India, which opposes Chinese involvement in Bangladesh. Following Hasina’s remarks on favoring India for the project, Yunus has expressed intensive focus on water resource management during his recent engagements.

Moreover, Bangladesh has solicited China’s assistance in constructing a 50-year comprehensive master plan for its rivers, which aligns with initiatives for maritime cooperation. The nations have embarked on discussions concerning hydrological forecasting and disaster management as elucidated in their joint statements.

Both nations also formalized an Implementation Plan for hydrological information exchange focused on the Yarlung Zangbo-Jamuna River. Bangladesh has since invited China to contribute to the modernization of Mongla Port and the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ). The interim government secured around $2.1 billion in Chinese investments for various projects, including significant allocations for Mongla Port and CEIZ.

In a notable shift, Bangladesh’s support for China’s geopolitical objectives has strengthened. The recent joint statement underscores its opposition to “Taiwan independence” and a newfound endorsement for China’s Global Development Initiative and other global efforts. These changes highlight a departure from earlier stances taken during Hasina’s administration regarding Beijing’s comments on governance.

As Bangladesh and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, 2025 is designated as the “Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges.” Furthermore, China has agreed to assist medical patients from Bangladesh and establish a physiotherapy center, enhancing bilateral healthcare collaboration, particularly as India limits its visa services.

As both countries move forward, the evolving diplomatic landscape illustrates a significant shift in Bangladesh’s foreign relations, emphasizing deepened ties with China over traditional alignments.

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s recent engagements with China signify a substantial recalibration of its foreign relations, favoring Chinese partnerships in critical infrastructure projects. Under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ leadership, the nation is pursuing closer ties with Beijing while voicing support for China’s geopolitical stances. The collaboration on projects like the Teesta River management and Mongla Port modernization demonstrates a strategic pivot that may redefine Bangladesh’s economic landscape in the coming years. As both nations commemorate their 50-year relationship, enhanced cooperation in various sectors, particularly healthcare, positions them for a fruitful partnership ahead.

Original Source: stratnewsglobal.com

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