In a sign that suggests that indeed, Bangladesh and China are moving closer together, China has proposed to help Bangladesh construct its first deep sea port in Chitttagong. Chinese officials have also promised to help Bangladesh put up its first sattelite in orbit.
This news follows Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s successful state visit to China. Now, Vice President Xi Jinpeng has come to reciprocate P.M. Hasina’s overture. Their agreements signaled in Beijing and attended to in Dhaka are mutual advantage moves that will benefit both Bangladesh and China. However, this move also puts Bangladesh squarely in the middle of competing and cross-cutting allegiances: while moving closer to China, the Awami League has also developed closer ties with India, China’s competing regional power. Governments in these two edging countries have often tried to out-strategize and out-pace each other for regional dominance in power and political gravity. Though China has the larger economy of the two, it is not too much to say that tomorrow belongs to India.
For now this news will have to serve as the carrier of good news. The Daily Star reports:
“Briefing reporters on the outcome of the talks, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said the Chinese side assured more investment in Bangladesh and reduce the bilateral trade imbalance by allowing more Bangladeshi products to have duty-free access to the Chinese market.”
“She said China also agreed to extend cooperation for the development of telecommunication and infrastructure in Bangladesh.”
“The two sides agreed to exchange data and information about the flow of the common river Brahmaputra.”
“The Chinese side agreed to help Bangladesh combat adverse impact of the climate change as well as extend cooperation in curbing militancy and terrorism.”
This is a lot to agree on: perhaps some of it will come apart, hedged and removed. Nevertheless this is a very strong start and given the differential incentives to engage in greater cooperation, Bangladesh stands to gain much from this burgeoning relationship.
