Directions of Bangladesh-China Relations

Roundtable on “Directions of Bangladesh–China Relations: Comparative Perspective”

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) jointly organized a roundtable discussion titled “Directions of Bangladesh–China Relations: Comparative Perspective” on 07 May 2026 at the BIISS Auditorium, Dhaka. The event was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BIISS and SIIS, reflecting the shared commitment of the two institutions to strengthening research collaboration, academic exchange, and policy dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address. The roundtable featured presentations from both Bangladeshi and Chinese perspectives. Dr Professor LIU Zongyi, Director, Center for South Asian Studies, SIIS, presented “Directions in Bangladesh–China Relations: Chinese Perspective,” while M Ashique Rahman, Research Director (In-Charge), BIISS, delivered a presentation on “Directions in Bangladesh–China Relations: Bangladesh Perspective.” The programme also included remarks by Dr Professor CHEN Dongxiao, President, SIIS.

The roundtable brought together scholars, researchers, and policy experts from Bangladesh and China to exchange views on the evolving trajectory of bilateral relations amid changing regional and global dynamics. Discussions focused on political, economic, and strategic dimensions of the partnership, including trade and investment, connectivity, development cooperation, regional stability, and people-to-people exchanges. Participants examined the opportunities and challenges shaping future Bangladesh–China relations and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation in support of mutual development and regional prosperity.

The event provided an important platform for promoting dialogue and mutual understanding between the policy and research communities of the two countries. The exchange of perspectives contributed to a deeper appreciation of the priorities, expectations, and strategic outlooks of both Bangladesh and China regarding the future of their bilateral relationship.

Objectives of the Roundtable are:

• To examine the current status and future directions of Bangladesh–China relations from both Bangladeshi and Chinese perspectives.

• To assess the impact of evolving regional and international developments on bilateral cooperation.

• To explore opportunities for expanding collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure, development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

• To promote mutual understanding of the strategic priorities and policy outlooks of Bangladesh and China.

• To identify emerging opportunities and challenges in strengthening bilateral relations in a changing regional environment.

• To foster academic exchange, policy dialogue, and institutional cooperation between BIISS and SIIS for generating informed policy insights and recommendations.