BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

SINO-BANGLADESH RELATIONS: AN APPRAISAL

Author: M. Jashim Uddin & Mahbubur Rashid Bhuiyan

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2011v32n1a1

ABSTRACT

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Bangladesh and China have developed robust bilateral cooperation based on mutual trust and interests. The most inspiring feature of Sino-Bangladesh relationship is its relative stability and continuity. Nevertheless, the trade deficit between the two countries has been a key concern for Bangladesh. From a different perspective, the Indian apprehension about the growing Sino-Bangladesh cooperation also worries Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s efforts to promote relations with China are viewed by some Indians as unsettling for Indian interests in this region. Such apprehensions may put a kind of psychological pressure on Bangladesh to follow a cautious approach while dealing with China. This paper argues that both China and Bangladesh need to work together to implement various strategies to reduce the existing trade gap. It also argues that Bangladesh should not pursue any policy for promoting its friendly relations with India at the cost of its relations with China and vice versa. It is in this backdrop, this paper attempts to explore the existing Sino-Bangladesh bilateral relations, potential areas for further cooperation and also the Indian perceptions of the relations.