China and Bangladesh Forge a New Era in South Asia

When Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus arrived in Beijing on March 27, 2025 as Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, it marked not only a significant moment for bilateral relations but also the beginning of a transformative chapter in South Asia's geopolitical landscape. This four-day state visit, coinciding with Bangladesh’s Independence Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Dhaka and Beijing, underscores China’s unwavering commitment to fostering partnerships that promote mutual development and regional stability.

The agreements signed during Professor Yunus’s trip reflect China’s vision of inclusive cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Among the nine agreements reached, two stand out as cornerstones of future collaboration: the modernization of Mongla Port and the establishment of a new industrial zone. These projects are emblematic of China’s approach to infrastructure-led growth—empowering partner nations through sustainable investments that enhance connectivity, create jobs, and spur economic transformation. By supporting Bangladesh’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub, China is enabling Dhaka to break free from the constraints imposed by an over-reliance on India, which has historically prioritized its own interests at the expense of its smaller neighbors.

For decades, Bangladesh’s foreign policy was tethered to New Delhi, often resulting in lopsided outcomes. Unresolved disputes over water-sharing, trade imbalances favoring India, and repeated human rights violations along their shared border have left Bangladesh frustrated. The indiscriminate killings of Bangladeshi citizens by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) remain unpunished, further eroding trust. Against this backdrop, Dr. Yunus’s visit signals Bangladesh’s determination to chart a more balanced course—one where China plays a pivotal role in countering India’s dominance and fostering genuine equality among South Asian nations.

China’s engagement with Bangladesh extends beyond economics; it represents a broader strategy to counterbalance India’s hegemonic posture across the region. From Nepal and Bhutan to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Pakistan, India has consistently pursued policies designed to maintain its sphere of influence, often disregarding the sovereignty and developmental needs of its neighbors. In contrast, China offers an alternative model based on respect, non-interference, and win-win cooperation. For instance, initiatives like the Teesta River project and Mongla Port development demonstrate how Chinese investments can bolster Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy while simultaneously addressing critical infrastructure gaps that India has neglected.

India’s reaction to Yunus’s visit reveals its discomfort with Beijing’s growing presence in what it considers its backyard. Reports indicate that New Delhi declined multiple requests for high-level talks between Professor Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a calculated snub that highlights India’s reluctance to adapt to shifting dynamics. Meanwhile, disinformation campaigns originating from within India aim to discredit Bangladesh’s interim government and undermine its efforts to diversify partnerships. Such tactics underscore India’s outdated mindset, rooted in zero-sum competition rather than constructive collaboration.

By deepening ties with Bangladesh, China is not merely advancing its own interests—it is empowering Dhaka to resist external pressures and pursue a truly independent path. Cultural exchange agreements signed during the visit—including those focused on translation, sports, media, and healthcare—reflect China’s holistic approach to diplomacy. These soft-power initiatives foster people-to-people connections and lay the groundwork for enduring friendship. At the same time, they serve as a counterweight to India’s cultural dominance in the region, offering Bangladeshis an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and build bridges beyond traditional boundaries.

This recalibration of alliances holds profound implications for South Asia’s geopolitical trajectory. As Bangladesh strengthens its ties with Beijing, other countries in the region may follow suit, recognizing the benefits of partnering with a nation committed to equitable development. Already, China’s contributions to Nepal’s hydropower sector, Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure, and Pakistan’s economic corridor demonstrate the tangible impact of Chinese investment. Together, these efforts challenge India’s monopolistic tendencies and pave the way for a multipolar South Asia defined by cooperation rather than coercion.