From Hardware to Heartware: China’s Evolving Military Relations with Bangladesh

Abstract

The article analyses the dynamics of Sino-Bangladesh defence diplomacy by exploring the key drivers behind bilateral military relations. It explores the historical evolution of defence cooperation between two countries, followed by an examination of different modalities of Sino-Bangladesh military partnership, including bilateral visits, arms procurements, scientific and technical support to Bangladesh’s emerging military-industrial complex. The article also assesses the role of recent developments, such as the political shifts in Bangladesh after the 2024 uprising and the ongoing civil war in reshaping the overall bilateral defence ties. It argues that the defining characteristics of Sino-Bangladesh defence relations is the practice of dual-track diplomacy, where Beijing simultaneously maintains and develops ties with both military and civilian leadership of Bangladesh.