Sheikh Hasina meets Xi Jinping
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During this period, both countries have signed 21 agreements. The heads of both countries met to strengthen their bilateral relations, but a big question is whether these agreements will affect India, because both are neighbouring countries of India. There are also some agreements to which India may have objections.
Bangladesh-China bilateral relations will complete 50 years next year. While Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of relations with India some time ago. In the ongoing China-Bangladesh talks, China has announced that it will help Bangladesh in many ways.
China will thus help Bangladesh
At the meeting of the heads of state of the two countries, it was agreed to boost the strategic partnership and turn it into a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Bangladesh government news agency Bangladesh Sangabad Sangastha has said in one of its reports that China will help Bangladesh economically in four ways. The Chinese president said during the meeting that Bangladesh will receive grants from China. In addition, Bangladesh will also receive interest-free loans, loans at concessional rates and commercial loans from China. A technical committee will also be formed for this.
China said it is in favor of an independent foreign policy for Bangladesh. It should be such as to meet its national needs and respect its independence and sovereignty. Through gestures, China said it is against any external interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
India may have objections to these agreements
Bangladesh and China have also agreed to work on 7 new projects. India may have objections to some of them. Now both countries will conduct joint studies to explore the possibilities of a free trade agreement and conclude a treaty. If this happens, the risk of dumping to India from China through Bangladesh will increase.
Not only this, a study will be carried out on optimizing the bilateral investment treaty between the two countries. At the same time, China has also made sure to assist in high-quality construction within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. India has also kept its distance from this Chinese project.
