📷 Image Credits: Firstpost
In an effort to balance strategic relations with both Beijing and New Delhi, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has embarked on a three-day official trip to China, marking her first visit to the Asian giant in five years. During her visit, she is expected to hold talks with Chinese leaders and sign a number of bilateral trade and loan agreements worth billions of dollars. The trip is seen as a move to balance Bangladesh’s relations with both China and India, who have been vying for influence in Asia over the past decade. One particular project proposal on the Teesta River, which would be funded by China, has caught the attention of experts and raised concerns in India.
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, tagged at around $1 billion, could potentially cause friction with India due to its location between the two countries. The project is near India’s Siliguri Corridor, a strategically sensitive passage that connects northeastern Indian states to the rest of the country. While India has expressed interest in participating in the project, concerns remain about China’s intentions and influence near the corridor.
The geopolitical rivalry between India and China in the Indian Ocean region has placed Bangladesh in a challenging position. Both countries are offering proposals to Bangladesh to safeguard their interests, which could lead to a political conflict. Bangladesh has already inked billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure deals with China in recent years, leading to warnings about overreliance on Chinese investments.
Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to China is anticipated to secure an additional loan of $20 billion for Bangladesh, with a significant portion allocated for infrastructure projects. While Bangladesh’s foreign debt-to-GDP ratio is manageable for now, there are concerns about the terms and conditions of such a large loan from China. Critics point to Sri Lanka’s experience, where the country had to cede control of a port to China after failing to repay its debts. However, some experts believe that Bangladesh’s situation may differ.
As Bangladesh and China are likely to sign and renew 20 to 22 MoUs during Hasina’s visit, the trip is expected to boost bilateral relations to a new level. The discussions are likely to cover various areas of cooperation, including economic, banking, trade, and investment sectors. The outcomes of the meetings between Prime Minister Hasina and Chinese leaders will be closely watched to gauge the future trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations. India is closely monitoring the visit, particularly in light of the evolving regional dynamics and China’s growing influence in the region.
