Tensions between the United States and China over Bangladesh’s strategic alignments escalated sharply this week, as Beijing’s embassy in Dhaka condemned recent remarks by US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen as “irresponsible and completely baseless.”
The diplomatic spat highlights growing concerns in Washington about Dhaka’s deepening defense ties with Chinaโparticularly plans for a major military drone manufacturing facilityโand simultaneous talks for acquiring Pakistani fighter jets, amid Beijing’s expanding footprint in South Asia.
The controversy erupted after Ambassador Christensen, in a January 21 interaction with journalists at the EMK Centre in Dhaka, expressed US worries about China’s “overall influence” in South Asia. Referencing his Senate confirmation hearing, he stated: “I am concerned about China’s overall influence in South Asia… There are risks in certain specific areas of engagement with China, and I will clearly articulate those.” He emphasized maintaining open dialogue with all parties in Bangladesh, including the interim government and any future elected administration, while underscoring the benefits of a closer US partnership.
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China’s embassy spokesperson swiftly rebutted, labelling the comments “irresponsible and completely unfounded,” accusing them of conflating right and wrong with “clear malicious intent.” In a statement sent to the media on January 22, the spokesperson defended 50 years of Sino-Bangladeshi cooperation as mutually beneficial, supportive of regional stability, and backed by strong public support in both nations.
“China-Bangladesh cooperation is a matter between the two countries and their peoples. There is no room for US interference or finger-pointing,” the statement read, urging Washington to focus on constructive actions for regional development rather than meddling.
The verbal clash coincides with Bangladesh’s pursuit of advanced defense capabilities under the Yunus-led interim government. In early January 2026, the finance ministry approved a Tk608 crore (approximately $55 million) government-to-government deal with China to establish a military drone (UAV) manufacturing plant.
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The project, titled “Establishment of Manufacturing Plant and Transfer of Technology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” will be implemented by the Bangladesh Air Force using technology from China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International. It aims to enable domestic production of UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially combat roles, reducing reliance on imports and aligning with the Forces Goal 2030 modernisation efforts.
Reports indicate the facility could involve production of platforms like Wing Loong-series drones, deepening China’s defense-industrial presence in the Bay of Bengalโa development that has rattled regional powers, including India, and drawn quiet US scrutiny over supply-chain security and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific. US officials have long viewed such ties through the lens of countering Beijing’s influence, with Christensen pledging during his October 2025 Senate hearing to highlight risks from Chinese involvement in Bangladesh’s military and critical infrastructure.
Compounding these dynamics are advanced defense talks between Bangladesh and Pakistan, including potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jetsโa China-Pakistan co-developed multirole aircraft. In early January 2026, air force chiefs from both nations met in Islamabad, discussing JF-17 Block III acquisitions alongside trainer aircraft, drones (like Shahpar UAVs), air defense systems, and broader cooperation. Pakistan’s military described the talks as progressing toward a comprehensive defense pact, with Bangladesh expressing interest in up to several squadrons to modernise its ageing fleet.
These engagements reflect Dhaka’s pragmatic “multi-alignment” approachโbalancing relations with major powers amid economic pressures and regional volatility. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stressed that such deals will not jeopardise other partnerships, emphasising defence modernisation needs without new alliances.
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Ambassador Christensen, who presented credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on January 15 after arriving in Dhaka on January 12, reiterated US neutrality in Bangladesh’s February 12 elections: “The US doesn’t take sides… who is elected is a sovereign decision of the people.” He expressed optimism for bilateral ties in trade, economy, and security, while commending Bangladesh’s Rohingya hosting efforts and highlighting opportunities under an “America First” policy that prioritises mutual benefits.
The exchange has fueled speculation about great-power competition in Bangladesh ahead of elections. Analysts note that Christensen’s prior Dhaka posting (2019โ2021) and expertise in arms control position him to push US alternativesโsuch as enhanced military-to-military cooperationโagainst Chinese and Pakistani inroads. As one observer put it: “Dhaka’s defense diversification is testing the limits of US tolerance for Beijing’s regional gains.”
With polls less than a month away, the diplomatic friction underscores Bangladesh’s delicate balancing act in a multipolar landscape, where infrastructure, drones, and jets have become flashpoints in US-China rivalry.
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