Strategic diplomacy in focus as PM visits China

China is set to accord Prime Minister Tarique Rahman a high-level welcome during his upcoming four-day state visit, in what is being seen as a significant moment in South Asia’s evolving diplomatic landscape.

Beijing is expected to host the Bangladeshi leader with a series of senior engagements, including meetings with President Xi Jinping in Beijing and Premier Li Qiang in Dalian, Liaoning province. Such dual-level interactions with China’s top leadership are considered uncommon and underline the importance Beijing attaches to the visit.

The visit forms the second leg of the Prime Minister’s first overseas tour since assuming office in February.

He will travel to Malaysia on June 21–22 before proceeding directly to China on June 23, a sequence Dhaka describes as reflecting its “Bangladesh First” foreign policy approach, aimed at balancing relations with major regional powers while advancing national development priorities.

After assuming office about four months ago, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opted to begin his foreign engagements with Malaysia, followed by China, at a time when Dhaka’s relations with India are reported to be strained due to issues including border tensions and push-in incidents.

Officials in Dhaka and Beijing said a range of agreements and memoranda of understanding are likely to be signed during the China visit, covering infrastructure development, investment promotion, digital connectivity, energy cooperation, trade facilitation and financial cooperation.

Discussions are also expected on Chinese support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, which Bangladesh considers a priority initiative.

The government has formally sought Chinese financing and technical assistance for the estimated $1 billion project.

A significant portion of the talks is expected to focus on more than $9 billion in proposed project financing, concessional loans and budgetary support.

The package includes railway expansion, port modernisation, power infrastructure, climate resilience programmes and industrial development.

Officials are also likely to discuss the issuance of Panda Bonds, increased use of local currencies in bilateral trade, and Bangladesh’s possible participation in China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, as part of efforts to diversify funding sources and reduce transaction costs.

Chinese investment in special economic zones is also expected to feature prominently, with Dhaka seeking greater participation in manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles and high-technology industries.

This forms part of Bangladesh’s strategy to attract export-oriented investment ahead of its graduation from Least Developed Country status.

Beyond sovereign financing, the visit is expected to facilitate private sector agreements, including a proposed investment of up to $250 million by the Handa Group, a major apparel manufacturer, in the Keraniganj Economic Zone.

Progress is also reported on appointing a Chinese developer for the dedicated Chinese Economic Zone in Anwara, Chattogram.

Earlier groundwork for the visit was laid at the China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, where Bangladesh participated as the “Theme Country” with a delegation of over 100 institutions and received six awards, including “Outstanding Exhibition Organizer” and “Best Pavilion”.

During the expo, Bangladeshi officials also proposed direct road connectivity between Kunming and Chattogram, highlighting Yunnan province’s potential role as a trade and medical tourism hub.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal described the upcoming visit as one that would “open a new horizon” in Bangladesh-China relations and strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Before travelling to China, the Prime Minister will visit Malaysia, where he is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on labour migration, investment, energy cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.

Officials said Dhaka hopes for Malaysia’s support in expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, particularly following the country’s return to elected governance.

Malaysia remains one of Bangladesh’s largest labour markets and a key source of remittance inflows.

Discussions are also expected on establishing a more transparent recruitment system to reduce migration costs and curb middlemen.

Experts said the back-to-back visits could mark a new phase in Bangladesh’s external relations.

Former Ambassador Munshi Faiz noted that Malaysia plays an important role in investment and labour mobility and maintains balanced relations with major global powers.

He also observed that China’s engagement with Bangladesh’s political and professional groups following recent political changes contrasts with India’s approach, which he said may have influenced Dhaka’s current diplomatic sequencing.

“Tarique Rahman is trying to show a balance between China and India,” he said, adding that recent developments in regional relations reflect an evolving and still-adjusting diplomatic environment.