Prime Minister’s visit to China carries a multidimensional diplomatic message

The destinations of Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit as Prime Minister are Malaysia and China. The importance and significance of this ongoing visit in the current regional and global political context are multidimensional. After the new government took office, this visit sends a clear message that Bangladesh has moved away from its traditional unilinear foreign policy and has now started walking on the path of a multidimensional and balanced diplomacy. Especially since this government’s journey began with major economic challenges in front of it, a new equation of geopolitics and economics was intertwined with every step of this visit.

The Prime Minister’s visit began with Malaysia. The visit was very timely to untie the long-standing labour market knots and activate the flow of remittances. However, stepping towards China via Malaysia is not just a visit to two countries, but rather it indicates a new strategic position of Bangladesh centred on Southeast Asia. Bangladesh is now interested in joining an influential alliance like ASEAN in any form. Although the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership may not be very profitable for Bangladesh at the moment, Malaysia is still a great potential gateway for Bangladesh in terms of technology transfer, labour market and higher education for students.

However, the main attraction of this visit is China. If Bangladesh’s relationship with China is to be evaluated, it would be wrong to call it only a bilateral relationship. Just as China is an ‘all-weather friend’ for Pakistan, China is a ‘time-tested friend’ for Bangladesh. If we review the history of this relationship that began in 1975, we can see that whenever the government came to power in Dhaka, the warmth of relations with Beijing has not diminished. One of China’s great qualities is their patience. Despite Bangladesh having a special and close relationship with India during the previous government, China has never let go of Bangladesh, which bears the hallmark of their consistent and mature diplomacy.

In the current reality, Bangladesh has a lot to gain from China, and most of it is economic. The Prime Minister’s entourage list shows how much the economy has dominated this visit. The presence of Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority and economist and Prime Minister’s Financial Adviser, on this visit proves that Bangladesh is emphasising the attraction of foreign direct investment from China. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority has already announced the opening of its first overseas office in China. The Prime Minister, while participating in the Dalian Conference of the World Economic Forum, known as the ‘Summer Davos’, highlighted Bangladesh’s investment-friendly environment in Beijing. Currently, due to American tariffs or customs policies, China is forced to move many of its factories and businesses to a third country. If Bangladesh can create a favourable environment, it is possible to use the opportunity to bring large-scale Chinese investment to the country. However, it is important to remember here that Bangladesh is not asking for any donations or charity from China. Bangladesh wants a ‘win-win’ or bilaterally beneficial situation, where China will do business, invest and take dividends. Bangladesh will get advanced technology and employment.

In terms of technology transfer, China is now leading the world in solar energy, wind energy and electric vehicles. Bangladesh can bring these technologies to the country through joint ventures. In addition, China’s technical expertise or ‘know-how’ in port management can be used in our large infrastructure projects. However, the main challenge in technology transfer is the lack of skilled manpower. The ‘demographic dividend’ or numerical advantage of the young population that Bangladesh has will not last forever. If China invests in our technical education, artificial intelligence and human capital development, it will indirectly help their own investment succeed.

A subtle change is also being observed in the field of military cooperation. Historically, Bangladesh has been largely dependent on Chinese military equipment. But after the recent trade agreement with America, a kind of sensitivity has been created. As a result, there is a trend of gradually reducing the single dependence on China in the military sector and diversifying. However, there are still opportunities for joint ventures with China in non-sensitive areas like drone technology. In addition, we need China’s technical capabilities in major technical projects like the Teesta Master Plan and the Padma Barrage Project.

However, there is no way to avoid India’s sensitivity in deepening relations with China. To address this regional challenge, Bangladesh will have to adopt a policy of ‘decoupling’ or separation of relations. Relations with India and relations with China will have to be viewed completely differently. The top political leadership of Bangladesh must give Delhi a clear message or ‘strategic assurance’ that Bangladesh’s territory or any activity will never be used against India’s interests. If we can create a place of trust that Bangladesh has neither the will nor the capacity to stand against India, India’s historical concerns about taking Chinese know-how or technical assistance in Teesta or other mega projects will be greatly alleviated.

Finally, it can be said that in the current global reality, everyone wants to be economically involved with China. Member countries of the Quad or AUKUS like Australia are also strongly involved with China and are doing huge trade. Bangladesh will also have to be very careful in engaging with China, keeping its debt capacity and repayment accounts in order. It is hoped that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China will not only help Bangladesh overcome the economic crisis but also open up a new horizon for Bangladesh’s independent and multidimensional foreign policy.

Writer: Obaidul Haque is an Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka

The article was originally published in the print and online editions of The Daily Samakal and has been rewritten for the English version by Mohammed Humayun Kabir, Assistant News Editor