Bangladesh and China today marked the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, celebrating five decades of mutual trust, development, and strategic alignment. On this historic occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin exchanged congratulatory messages, reaffirming their commitment to further deepen the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
A Half-Century of Strategic Understanding
When Bangladesh and China established diplomatic relations in 1975, few could have predicted the depth the relationship would reach. Over the past five decades, the two countries have evolved from friendly neighbours into comprehensive strategic partners, collaborating across defence, infrastructure, trade, and technology.
President Xi Jinping, in his message, described the two nations as “traditional friendly neighbours” whose ties have endured through changing global circumstances, guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He praised the success of recent cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has delivered transformative infrastructure and industrial projects in Bangladesh.
“China and Bangladesh have set an example of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation between nations,” Xi said, pledging to use the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen strategic trust and promote shared prosperity.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence collaboration remains a central pillar of the Bangladesh–China relationship. Beijing has long been Dhaka’s most significant defence partner, supplying a broad range of systems including Type 053H3 frigates, F-7BG fighter aircraft, VT-1A main battle tanks, and FM-90 surface-to-air missile systems. The induction of two Type 035G Ming-class submarines into the Bangladesh Navy marked a turning point, strengthening the nation’s deterrence and signalling the maturity of bilateral military ties.
Beyond hardware, cooperation has expanded into training, technology transfer, and joint defence production. Regular high-level exchanges and military visits underscore a shared intent to enhance interoperability, develop local manufacturing capacity, and explore co-production of future platforms — including unmanned systems and advanced naval assets.
For Bangladesh, strategic alignment with China offers both practical and geopolitical advantages. Beijing’s steady support provides Dhaka with a safeguard against hegemonic pressures from neighbouring India, helping preserve Bangladesh’s independence in security decision-making and ensuring regional balance. This partnership underpins the country’s pursuit of a modern, self-reliant military under the Forces Goal 2030 modernisation plan.
Belt and Road and Strategic Connectivity
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Bangladesh has emerged as a key partner in regional connectivity linking South and Southeast Asia. Chinese investment has been instrumental in major projects such as the Padma Bridge Rail Link, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Payra Deep Sea Port, and the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone at Anwara, Chattogram. These initiatives have enhanced Bangladesh’s logistics, energy, and industrial capacity — positioning the country as a strategic node in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Beijing’s engagement also extends to digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence-industrial localisation, aligning closely with Dhaka’s Vision 2041 strategy for advanced industrialisation and technological transformation. The partnership thus blends hard security cooperation with developmental and economic depth — a model of pragmatic statecraft serving mutual interests.
A Balanced Regional Outlook
For Bangladesh, maintaining a close yet balanced foreign policy remains vital. While Dhaka continues constructive engagement with all partners, its cooperation with China ensures strategic flexibility in a competitive regional environment. The two nations share an interest in regional peace, stability, and economic integration free from domination by any single power.
In this context, China’s role as a consistent and reliable partner provides Dhaka with leverage and confidence in pursuing its sovereign interests. This balancing act reinforces Bangladesh’s identity as an independent middle power with growing regional influence.
Leadership Messages and the Road Ahead
In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin praised the “deep bond founded on mutual respect, trust, and enduring cooperation,” acknowledging China’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development and stability. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to achieving “new milestones” in the comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting 50 years of fruitful collaboration.
For Beijing, the partnership strengthens China’s presence in the Bay of Bengal and supports its broader vision of an interconnected, multipolar Asia. For Dhaka, it delivers tangible benefits in economic growth, defence modernisation, and strategic autonomy.
As both countries look to the next fifty years, Bangladesh–China relations are poised to enter a new phase of cooperation — one defined not just by friendship, but by shared strategic purpose. Together, they aim to advance regional peace, economic connectivity, and security in an evolving Indo-Pacific landscape.
Ayesha Farid is a regional security specialist focusing on South Asia, with over a decade of experience analysing inter-state tensions, cross-border insurgency, and regional power dynamics. She has worked with leading policy think tanks and academic institutions, offering nuanced insights into the complex security challenges shaping the subcontinent. Ayesha’s expertise spans military doctrines, border disputes, and regional cooperation frameworks, making her a vital contributor to BDMilitary’s coverage of South Asian strategic affairs. She leads the Geopolitics & Diplomacy section at BDMilitary. Ayesha holds a dual master’s degree — a Master in International Relations from the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, Spain, and a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Canada — combining deep academic insight with practical policy expertise.
