CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh – A Chinese naval fleet arrived at the Chittagong port on Saturday, marking the first visit by a foreign naval fleet since Bangladesh's interim government assumed power in early August. The fleet, comprised of the Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan vessels, was greeted with fanfare and national flags flown by Chinese and Bangladeshi citizens.
This visit underscores China's continued commitment to its relationship with Bangladesh despite the recent political changes. Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, emphasized this point, stating that China seeks to "cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas, [and] promote high quality Belt and Road cooperation."
Mr. Yao Wen and the commanders of the Chinese naval fleet met with high-ranking Bangladeshi naval officials, including Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, and Rear Admiral Mohammed Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet. Discussions focused on strengthening maritime and security cooperation between the two nations.
The visit comes amidst a backdrop of evolving dynamics in the region. While Bangladesh has been developing its defence infrastructure with Chinese assistance, including a dock in Chittagong capable of hosting submarines and warships, experts suggest that India remains unconcerned due to its strong ties with Bangladesh.
The Chinese fleet will be stationed in Chittagong for four days, engaging in bilateral meetings, deck receptions, and ship open days to foster cooperation and trust between the two navies. The Chinese embassy in Dhaka stated that these activities aim to contribute to "building a maritime community of shared future."
This visit follows a trend of growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh. China has become a major supplier of arms to Bangladesh, accounting for 72% of its weapons imports between 2019 and 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). China also played a key role in constructing the BNS Sheikh Hasina naval base south of Chittagong, which can accommodate submarines and warships.
The visit highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in South Asia, with Bangladesh balancing its relationships with both China and India. While the interim government's foreign policy direction remains to be fully defined, this visit suggests a continuation of the close ties between China and Bangladesh.
