Bangladesh votes in a general election on Thursday after an uprising led by Generation Z ousted Indian ally Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. She has since taken refuge in New Delhi, allowing China to deepen its influence in Bangladesh as India’s presence declines.
China recently signed a military agreement with Bangladesh to build a drone factory near the Indian border, worrying foreign diplomats. Bangladesh is also in talks with Pakistan to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role fighter jet jointly developed with China.
– The United States is concerned about China’s growing influence in South Asia and is committed to working closely with the Bangladesh government to clearly communicate the risks of certain types of engagement with China – US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said in an interview.
– The US offers a number of options to help Bangladesh meet its needs for military capabilities, including US systems and those of allied partners, to provide alternatives to Chinese systems – he said, without providing details.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Bangladesh have cooperated in the political, economic and security fields, which has benefited both countries.
– Our mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation is not directed against any third party, nor will we tolerate the interference of any third party – the ministry told Reuters.
Christensen also said that President Donald Trump’s administration “would like to see a good relationship between Bangladesh and India to support stability in the region.”
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have deteriorated sharply since Hasina fled, affecting visa services and ties between the two neighbours.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
