There are two ways to look at Bangladesh’s approach to friendlier relations on equal terms with China. One is to look at the terms of the relationship and say that friendlier relations is hardly in the cards; rather the relationship is one of mere exploitation at the cost of solid footing elsewhere. The other is to look at the Chinese market and the centripetal force of Chinese investment and then to justify closer ties with China solely on those grounds.
It is to the first argument that I now turn.
The on-going negotiations between Chinese leaders and the Bangladesh delegation have not started on the basis of mutual advantage. The tone surrounding the conversation still smacks of a supplicant come at the alter of her lord.
The Daily Star reports Sheikh Hasina claimed the following to the Bangladesh-China Business Forum, an association of Chinese investors, while encouraging investment in Bangladesh’s agricultural and textile sectors:
“I would urge you to invest in Bangladesh which would be lucrative as well as strengthen further our two countries’ relation,” Furthermore claiming that though Bangladesh is China’s third largest trading partner in South Asia the terms of trade resoundingly favor China, she beseeched the Chinese investors as follows:
” I, therefore, invite you to Bangladesh with the assurance of all possible assistance in your investment ventures,”
“I hope my call to you would receive your favourable response and thus bring greater prosperity to our neighbourly countries and friendly peoples.’
The obvious rebuttal to my claim is: “How could it be otherwise? Bangladesh is a tiny market compared to all the others at the disposal of Chinese investors.”
The problem, as I see it comes in sideways: Bangladesh is getting closer to India. India is Bangladesh’s largest single source of imports and also mutually advantageous investment. But, China is a more important investor. Is it not likely that Bangladesh’s approach to China will sour India on Bangladesh even as Delhi is preparing language on river water sharing with Bangladesh? Bangladesh might do well to keep India close to herself, than let that association fall into disrepair.
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