A 22-member Bangladeshi delegation has arrived in China for a 10-day visit, a move that signals Beijing’s growing engagement with Dhaka at a time of rising tensions between Bangladesh and India. The group, which includes political leaders, academics, journalists, and civil society representatives, is set to meet with senior Chinese officials and members of the ruling Communist Party.

Abdul Moin Khan, a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), described the trip as a “goodwill visit” organized by Beijing. But the timing of the visit suggests a broader strategic shift. This is the second high-profile interaction between Bangladeshi and Chinese officials in recent months, following a January meeting between Touhid Hossain, foreign affairs advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

A Strained Relationship with India
Bangladesh’s ties with India have been under strain in recent months. Since her removal from power in August, former fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India. Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition, but New Delhi has refused. Meanwhile, Hasina’s government has faced international criticism for its handling of anti-government protests, with a UN report estimating that at least 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns before her departure.

India’s engagement with Bangladesh’s interim government has been noticeably limited, fueling speculation about shifting alliances. The BNP, now a dominant political force in Dhaka, has accused New Delhi of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, drawing sharp responses from Indian officials.

China’s Expanding Influence
China has steadily increased its outreach to Bangladesh, seeing an opportunity to strengthen its position in a strategically important country. Bilateral trade between the two nations stands at $24 billion, with Dhaka heavily reliant on Chinese exports. Beijing has also expanded its ties with Islamic groups and other political actors in Bangladesh, suggesting a broader effort to cement its influence.

Some analysts argue that India’s longstanding view of South Asia as its exclusive sphere of influence is now being challenged. Zhou Bo, a Chinese foreign policy expert, told the BBC that “treating the entire subcontinent as India’s backyard will only harm Delhi’s interests.”

Political Uncertainty Ahead
As Bangladesh prepares for elections expected between December and March, its political future remains uncertain. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has called for Hasina to return and face charges of crimes against humanity and money laundering. Whether Bangladesh continues to drift closer to China or attempts to repair ties with India could depend on the outcome of those elections.