China is Doing its Best to Capture the Moment in Bangladesh

There is a Tibetan proverb saying "If you're bitten by a snake, you get scared of even a rope in darkness." So for this writer, every "fire thief"-like act by China, be it in Asia or elsewhere, is a worrisome matter.

In its response to the ouster of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim administration, China took a line that was clearly meant to look out for its own strategic interests: "We want to further develop the 'all-round strategic partnership' with the new government in Bangladesh."

It may be noted China's use of the term "all-round strategic partnership" implies a close and trusting relationship. It is something that Beijing uses when it refers to its ties with nations such as France, the United Kingdom, or Spain.

China has been leveraging the political instability in Bangladesh to expand its influence. Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Beijing has been cautious yet opportunistic and strategic in its approach, aiming to strengthen its ties with the new government. This includes economic investments and strategic partnerships, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

Strategic 'Soft Power'

Chinese influence in Bangladesh is growing. Its increasing involvement in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and military cooperation, has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally. Sheikh Hasina's ouster has created a further opportunity for Beijing to leverage its influence in Bangladesh. It is reviving ties with members of the previous BNP government and other political elements that have suddenly become influential under the caretaker regime.

China's involvement in Bangladesh spans various sectors, including infrastructure, military cooperation, and economic aid. This multifaceted approach allows Beijing to gain a foothold in the region, potentially at the expense of other influential neighbors like India.

Beijing has also been making concerted efforts to win over the hearts and minds of young Bangladeshis. It provides financial aid, including grants and loans, to support various sectors like education, technology, and infrastructure. Additionally, it offers travel assistance and scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in China. It's a smart move, part of a broader strategy to influence developing countries like Bangladesh through soft power.

The Confucius Institutes (CIs) are very active in Bangladesh, with notable ones at the University of Dhaka and North South University. While their stated aim is to promote Chinese language and culture, they also serve as a tool for China to extend its soft power and influence in the region.

With language courses, cultural exchange programs, and scholarships, CIs actively foster a positive image of China among young Bangladeshis. It's a strategic move that uses education to brainwash Bangladeshis into thinking a certain way about China.

China: Seizing the Moment in Bangladesh

The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) United Front organization oversees propaganda and education. It is tasked to promote cultural exchanges and a good environment for achieving China's policy objectives.

In many countries around the world, CIs have generated legitimate concerns about academic freedom and independence. This is due to their direct support from, and admitted role as a "soft power" instrument for, the CCP party-state. Funded partly by an organization in Beijing called Han Ban, they are linked to the government. That means that the final command is with the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

CCP has used its significant financial resources to craft a positive global image and extend its influence. Often referred to as "soft power," this includes investing in infrastructure projects, educational programs, cultural exchanges, and more. It is not just in Bangladesh, but also around the world. Initiatives like the BRI, CIs, and various aid programs, are designed to showcase China's economic strength and cultural heritage, thereby enhancing its global standing.

Similarly, the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh has ramped up its activities. They also regularly organize human resource cooperation fairs in Dhaka. These are aimed at building long-term partnerships between Chinese companies and local universities. The events also provide opportunities for students, teachers, and HR personnel from various Bangladeshi universities to connect with Chinese enterprises.

Overseas Chinese as a Tool of State Power

In reality, Overseas Chinese Association activities and scholarships are a powerful tool the CCP uses to invest in the future. They help groom the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals by offering financial support for education.

On November 6, the Confucius Institute at North South University in Dhaka inaugurated a special workshop on Chinese language education for Bangladeshis. This workshop is part of ongoing efforts to promote Chinese language learning and cultural exchange in the region.

Bangladesh is of strategic importance to the CCP. Its location in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean means it is ideally situated for the BRI. It is a key part of Xi's signature project aimed at boosting China's economic and political influence by implementing a raft of infrastructure projects and trade networks worldwide.

China has been Bangladesh's largest trading partner for 12 years in a row. "China has built 12 roads, 21 bridges, and 27 power plants in Bangladesh," Yao Wen, China's ambassador to Bangladesh, said during a BRI event in Dhaka in September 2023. "Chinese companies have created 550,000 new jobs here."

*North-South University campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh (February 2024, via Wikimedia Commons)*

Defense Strategy in its Aid to Bangladesh

On defense ties, China supplied 72% of the weapons Bangladesh needed between 2019 and 2023, according to SIPRI, a Swedish think tank focusing on global conflict and security.

Moreover, Beijing played a key role in constructing the "BNS Sheikh Hasina" naval base south of Chittagong. The base was inaugurated in 2023 and has space for six submarines and eight warships. Beijing also supplied two submarines (BNS Nabajatra and BNS Joyjatra) and a significant proportion of frigates and corvettes to the Bangladesh navy.

Satellite images show that the submarines built in China have already been stationed there for a year. "China's ties to the base may go well beyond its construction," according to a report published by the United States-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). "A senior Bangladeshi official acknowledged that Chinese personnel would also be involved in training Bangladesh's submariners on how to operate the submarines and the new base, although few details have been shared publicly."

According to Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center South Asia Institute, Bangladesh is "reaping the benefits of great power competition" in its dealings with China and India. Also, exploiting friction between India and Bangladesh has been one of China's core interests. Bangladesh's "Look East" policy, intended to reduce its reliance on India, has instead made it more dependent on China. In turn, this has given Beijing more clout in its bilateral relations.

However, concerns have been raised concerning the durability, transparency, and possible social and environmental effects of Chinese-backed projects in Bangladesh. Lastly, the growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh has the potential to reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the region. This could lead to a re-evaluation of alliances and partnerships.