China and Bangladesh: 51 Years of Bilateral Diplomacy

From May 5 to 7, Bangladesh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khalilur Rahman, will pay a diplomatic visit to China at the invitation of his counterpart, Wang Yi.

Among other issues, this visit will aim to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which has spanned five decades.

Key items on their bilateral agenda include development, economic cooperation, and political cooperation, given the growing uncertainty on the international stage.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Cooperation and Long-Term Stability

The bilateral relationship between the two countries is based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have fostered a stable and mutually beneficial diplomatic framework.

Furthermore, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, China and Bangladesh have prioritized several reciprocal principles, such as respect for sovereignty, equality, and non-interference.

Regarding economic cooperation, China is one of Bangladesh’s most important trading partners, followed by India in terms of imports.

China is a strategic partner of Bangladesh in sectors such as:

- Infrastructure and connectivity, meaning China participates in the construction and modernization of bridges, roads, and ports.

In fact, one of the most significant projects between the two countries is the China–Bangladesh Friendship Bridges, which aims to improve Bangladesh’s internal connectivity through road and river infrastructure projects with China’s participation.

- Trade and investment: efforts are underway to establish a potential free trade agreement. China has even offered duty-free access for Bangladeshi products through 2028. This decision took effect on July 1, 2020, meaning that Bangladesh will continue to export most of its products—including textiles, leather, agricultural products, and manufactured goods—to China duty-free.

- Energy and Industrial Development: To integrate Bangladesh into regional value chains and strengthen its economic connectivity, China is participating in the development of special economic zones and the modernization of the port of Mongla, located in southern Bangladesh.

It is important to note that Bangladesh aims to transform the country into a developed nation by that year through Vision 2041. Thus, these trade initiatives between the two countries align with Bangladesh’s development goals, including plans for industrial modernization and regional connectivity.

For China, Bangladesh represents a key partner within the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly regarding maritime routes and supply chains.

Multilateralism

Both countries actively participate in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, where they often agree on issues related to sustainable development, South–South cooperation, and the importance of a more inclusive international order. Coordination in these forums reflects shared interests between two countries seeking to expand their global influence.

Bangladesh has sought China’s support to mediate the Rohingya refugee crisis, relying on China’s influence over Myanmar. Diplomatic cooperation reflects how both countries turn to multilateralism to address regional challenges. This approach strengthens their strategic relationship and positions China as a key actor in South Asian stability.

International Cooperation

Cooperation between China and Bangladesh takes place on three levels:

• Bilateral: infrastructure projects, foreign direct investment, and technology transfer.

• Regional: balancing the interests of South Asian actors and strengthening economic corridors.

• Global: participation in connectivity initiatives

These elements allow Bangladesh to diversify its alliances and reduce structural vulnerabilities, while China consolidates its presence in a region critical to its strategic interests.

Current Relevance

In this context, understanding bilateral diplomacy between China and Bangladesh reveals key elements that help explain:

• The diversification of international partners to reduce economic dependence.

• The use of infrastructure projects as a form of development cooperation.

• Active participation in multilateral forums to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

In the current global context, Bangladesh’s experience demonstrates how cooperation can be linked to development as well as international diplomacy.