At a time when India-Bangladesh bilateral relations have hit the rock-bottom, a delegation of political leaders, civil society activists, academics and journalists from Dhaka is visiting China.
Analysts believe while the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government wants to send a strong signal to New Delhi, he also wants to cement the ties with the Asian giant.
It is interesting to note that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Abdul Moyeen Khan is leading the delegation.
The Begum Khaleda Zia-led party is known for its anti-India rhetoric.
The Bangladeshi delegation also includes many representatives from the student movement that launched the mass uprising against Hasina, eventually ousting the prime minister on August 5, 2024.
Why Is China Important For Bangladesh?
China is important for Bangladesh for economic as well as geopolitical reasons as it is the largest trading partner with bilateral trade amounting to around $24 billion.
Bangladesh is dependent on China also for its defence needs and almost 70% of its defence hardware has been procured from the South Asian giant.
Analysts believe, it is a golden opportunity for Beijing, which has been trying to get a foothold in the country, keeping in mind its strategy of dominating the Indian Ocean region.
Defence experts, it may cause problems for India, which has been wary of Dhaka’s increasing proximity to China. Though Sheikh Hasina struck a balance between India and China, the new dispensation may upset the Indian apple cart.
Bangladesh To Buy Fighter Planes From China?
The maneuvering of Bangladesh is evident by the fact that after failing to sign a deal for F-16 fighter jets from the US, Dhaka is negotiating with China to get 16 J-10C multirole fighter jets. The deal may upset India.
As the Bangladesh Air Force operates older MiG-29 and F-7 aircraft, J-10C jets would replace these aging platforms with more advanced technology.
China Fishing In Troubled Waters?
However, it is not the first time that Dhaka has purchased defence equipment from China. It shocked everyone by purchasing a naval ship from Beijing.
Political observers point out that China wants to fish in the troubled waters as Bangladesh is surrounded by India to the west and Myanmar to the east. Pushed to a corner, Dhaka wants to build its military capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty.
Bangladesh-China bonhomie may upset India and further strain the already vexed ties with Dhaka.
