A 22-member delegation from Bangladesh, led by BNP official Abdul Moyeen Khan, is on a goodwill mission to China to discuss cooperation and strengthen ties amidst increasing diplomatic strains with India. The delegation's visit comes after request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India was denied, fueling political tensions. While China emerges as a significant player in Bangladeshi politics and trade, India's influence appears to be waning.
Bangladesh Strengthens Ties with China Amid Tensions with India
Bangladesh Strengthens Ties with China Amid Tensions with India
A Bangladeshi delegation embarks on a 10-day visit to China as diplomatic relations with India worsen.
The growing diplomatic rifts have led a 22-member Bangladeshi delegation, including politicians and activists, to embark on a 10-day visit to China, led by Abdul Moyeen Khan from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The delegation is engaging in discussions with Chinese officials and members of the ruling Communist Party during this goodwill mission, according to Khan's statements reported by the BBC.
This visit is taking place in the context of strained relations between Bangladesh and India. The tensions have intensified due to India's refusal to extradite former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile there and is facing allegations of serious crimes. As a response to the political changes in Bangladesh, China appears to be seizing the opportunity to strengthen its relations with the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Economic ties between Bangladesh and China have also been solidifying. With bilateral trade reaching around $24 billion, largely driven by Chinese exports, and over 70% of Bangladesh's military supplies originating from China, Beijing's influence in the region is solidified. In contrast, India's interactions with the interim government have been limited, prompting criticism from Bangladeshi officials regarding perceived interference in its internal matters.
The increasing distance between Dhaka and Delhi could potentially push Bangladesh toward closer ties with China, while neighboring South Asian countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal are also experiencing similar geopolitical maneuvers. Chinese analyst Zhou Bo warns against India's presumption of regional dominance, suggesting that such an attitude may ultimately be detrimental to India's interests.
The evolving dynamics in South Asia highlight the struggle for influence between India and China as both nations vie for political leverage in Bangladesh and beyond.
This visit is taking place in the context of strained relations between Bangladesh and India. The tensions have intensified due to India's refusal to extradite former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile there and is facing allegations of serious crimes. As a response to the political changes in Bangladesh, China appears to be seizing the opportunity to strengthen its relations with the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Economic ties between Bangladesh and China have also been solidifying. With bilateral trade reaching around $24 billion, largely driven by Chinese exports, and over 70% of Bangladesh's military supplies originating from China, Beijing's influence in the region is solidified. In contrast, India's interactions with the interim government have been limited, prompting criticism from Bangladeshi officials regarding perceived interference in its internal matters.
The increasing distance between Dhaka and Delhi could potentially push Bangladesh toward closer ties with China, while neighboring South Asian countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal are also experiencing similar geopolitical maneuvers. Chinese analyst Zhou Bo warns against India's presumption of regional dominance, suggesting that such an attitude may ultimately be detrimental to India's interests.
The evolving dynamics in South Asia highlight the struggle for influence between India and China as both nations vie for political leverage in Bangladesh and beyond.
