Military Agreement Between China and Bangladesh Raises Concerns in the United States

SadaNews - The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh said that Washington is concerned about China's expanding presence in South Asia and intends to offer American defense systems and others from allied countries to the next government in Bangladesh as alternatives to Chinese equipment, according to "Reuters."

Bangladesh is holding general elections tomorrow, Thursday, after a youth-led uprising, referred to as "Generation Z", ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was an ally of India in August 2024, allowing China to deepen its influence in Bangladesh amid India's declining role.

China recently signed a defense agreement with Bangladesh to build a drone manufacturing plant near the Indian border, raising concerns among foreign diplomats.

Bangladesh is in talks with Pakistan to purchase "JF-17 Thunder" jets, a multirole fighter aircraft developed with Chinese assistance.

U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen commented on the agreement on Tuesday, stating, "The United States is concerned about the growing Chinese influence in South Asia and is committed to working closely with the government in Bangladesh to highlight the risks of certain forms of engagement with China."

He added, "The United States is offering a range of options to assist Bangladesh in meeting its military capabilities needs, including American systems and those from partner allies, to provide alternatives to Chinese systems," without going into further details.