Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on a visit to Beijing from July 8 to 10, a trip anticipated to bolster political mutual trust and elevate bilateral relations with China to a new level. This visit, occurring shortly after her trip to India, is seen as a strategic move to strike a delicate balance between her country’s ties with its two major investors.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, this marks Hasina’s first visit to China since her new term began and her second visit in five years. During her stay, she will engage in talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participate in a ceremony to sign cooperative agreements. The leaders of the two countries are expected to have an “in-depth exchange of views” on strengthening traditional friendship, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and addressing international and regional issues of common concern. Hasina will also participate in the China-Bangladesh Business Trade and Investment Conference.
“The visit will facilitate political mutual trust, strengthen the development strategies, promote high-quality joint construction of the ‘Belt and Road,’ accelerate the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and push China-Bangladesh relations to a new level,” Mao said.
Hasina’s China visit is anticipated to place a strong emphasis on securing further Chinese investments in Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multi-faceted infrastructure project initiated by China. Bangladesh stands as the largest recipient of Chinese investments outside Pakistan, with an estimated sum exceeding USD 25 billion.
Hasina’s Beijing visit follows her trip to New Delhi last month, where she attended the swearing ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his third term, signifying the close ties between India and Bangladesh. Following her talks with Modi on June 22, both sides agreed to collaborate on a mega project to conserve and manage the cross-border Teesta River. Furthermore, they committed to initiating negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement and strengthening defense ties. Notably, China has also expressed interest in undertaking a mega project on the Teesta River.
After returning from her India visit, Hasina stated that Bangladesh would carefully consider proposals from both India and China for this mega project and ultimately accept the proposition that serves her country’s best interests.
