Professor Sujit Kumar Datta of the Department of International Relations at Chittagong University in Bangladesh stated that the US "reciprocal tariff" would bring opportunities for China. China can further expand its influence by strengthening trade relations with countries in the Global South.
The Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh Interim Government, Sheikh Hasina, made her first visit to China and attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. Datta said that Hasina's visit to China sent an important diplomatic signal. During her visit, she discussed opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and China, focusing on social work, technological investment, and new development pathways. Hasina hoped that China could become a partner in Bangladesh's new political system.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. In the joint press release issued by both countries, they reiterated their equal importance and commitment to developing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Bangladesh. They agreed to advance high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road Initiative" and emphasized the need to initiate negotiations for a free trade agreement between China and Bangladesh as soon as possible, and officially start the upgrade negotiations for the investment agreement between China and Bangladesh.
Datta stated that economic development and infrastructure considerations have prompted successive governments in Bangladesh to prioritize cooperation with China. Through large-scale loans and investments, China has become one of Bangladesh's main development partners, realizing major projects such as the Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel, highways, and power plants. Cooperation between Bangladesh and China is crucial for balancing the influence of the United States and India in South Asia.
Since 2024, Sino-Indian relations have been continuously improving. Datta stated that India is committed to strengthening balanced cooperation with China. Now, both China and India have become targets of US "reciprocal tariffs," which will enable both countries to seek new global supply chains while improving their economic conditions. The improvement in Sino-Indian relations will help counterbalance US policies.
In Datta's view, US tariffs will bring opportunities for China. Due to US trade restrictions, China seeks alternative export markets, which will establish closer ties with South Asian countries such as Bangladesh and India in economic and strategic fields. China can expand regional influence through the "Belt and Road Initiative" and strengthen trade relations with countries in the Global South. China can promote the establishment of a new world trade structure and become a new global economic leader.
Source: Beijing Daily Client
Reporter: Bai Bo
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491153970800198159/
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