![]() ![]() It is assumed that, if China gained control over the port, it could have been a potential military surveillance base for China. However, if China gained its objectives and Bangladesh could not choose a third option of involving both countries, the fate of Payra seaport could have been the same of Hambantota, Sri Lanka and Gwadar, Pakistan. As a result, Payra sea port development project has become a unique case-a joint venture of two opposing regional rivals.Īnd if China could secure sole control over the project, it could have achieved its goal completely-both securing naval route and encircling India in the sea. In this regard, Bangladesh wants to accommodate both India and China in Payra sea port development. Under this circumstance, both India and China are competing to score success against each other in Bangladesh. On the other hand, China is in fear of being vulnerable to its rival India for trade and energy supply. On the one hand, India is in fear of being encircled by China in the sea-if China manages to control over any of Bangladesh’s seaports. Later, in constructing Payra seaport China even could not secure its dominance. India sees it a vital geostrategic gain in Bangladesh against China. Many believe, India-along with US and Japan-interfered to curb China’s influence and consequently, Bangladesh dropped the project. China was about to have the contract of constructing Sonadia deep sea port in 2014. It is worth mentioning that India is playing the key role to develop Mongla sea port, while China failed to build deep sea port in Sonadia. Among the coastal countries in the South Asia, Bangladesh is the sole sovereign nation where China does not have complete authority over any of its four sea ports: Chittagong, Mongla, Payra and Matarbari-under construction. Meanwhile, China has already secured its position in different ports in the region: Kyaukpyu, Myanmar Hambantota, Sri Lanka Gwadar, Pakistan. If China succeeds, the Bay of Bengal coastline infrastructure development will reshape the balance of power of the entire Bay of Bengal region where India enjoys domination. On the contrary, it will threaten the regional strategic interests of India. Undoubtedly, China’s wider access and control over the ports along the Bay of Bengal coastline will secure its maritime route and smooth energy supply. From the Chinese viewpoint, it is a part of China’s Maritime Silk Road – which is not appreciated by the regional power India. ![]() However, the Bangladesh-China development partnership has great geopolitical and economic implications in South Asia.Ĭhina’s policy and involvement regarding Bangladesh’s seaport development projects have multiple ramifications. Especially, the country is highly involved in developing Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector and improving the capacity of existing infrastructure. China, with its enormous economic and technical supports, is one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. ![]()
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