Introduction
In the last few years, many such changes have been seen in international politics, which are moving towards giving a new shape to the power balance of Asia. One of these is the emerging new tactical and strategic alliance between Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. This triangular equation will not only affect the security system of South Asia, but is also becoming a matter of concern for superpowers like India and America.
Historical background
Pakistan and China:
The relationship between Pakistan and China has been very close since the 1960s. China has always given military, economic and diplomatic support to Pakistan. Both the countries have together started big projects like CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), which is a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Bangladesh and China:
Bangladesh’s proximity to China has increased after 2000, especially when China started investing in the infrastructure there. China has become a major supplier of defense equipment to Bangladesh.
Pakistan and Bangladesh:
After the partition of 1971, the relations between these two countries remained strained, but in recent years both the countries have gradually tried to improve relations, especially in the field of trade and Islamic cooperation.
Recent background of the alliance
Some major developments during 2024-2025 strengthened the foundation of this new triangular alliance:
- Change in Bangladesh’s “Look East” policy:
Bangladesh has balanced its foreign policy and increased its proximity to China, which is providing it with huge economic aid, infrastructure development and defense cooperation.
- Pakistan’s strategic needs:
Due to tensions with India and increasing distance from Western countries, Pakistan has had to turn towards China and Muslim countries.
- China’s policy of dominance in Asia:
China is bringing Pakistan and Bangladesh into its fold as part of its strategy to surround India in South Asia, thereby challenging India’s “Neighborhood First” policy.
Major objectives of the alliance
- Strategic Encirclement of India
This alliance is considered to be part of the strategy to surround India from the east, west and north. China’s Himalayan border, Pakistan’s western front and Bangladesh’s eastern front – all three are strategically sensitive for India.
- Economic corridor and trade network
Extending CPEC to the Bay of Bengal could be the main economic objective of this alliance, which will give China direct access to the Indian Ocean.
- Military cooperation and arms deals
Work is progressing rapidly towards the supply of military equipment, joint exercises and intelligence sharing between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Diplomatic support and united front
These three countries can work together on a joint policy to balance the influence of India and Western countries at the United Nations and other international forums.
Concerns of India and America
- India’s security challenges:
This alliance can cause a three-way strategic pressure for India. India will now have to remain vigilant simultaneously on its eastern border (Bangladesh), western border (Pakistan) and northern border (China). - Impact on US interests:
Bangladesh’s inclination towards China and Pakistan becoming completely dependent on China can become an obstacle for America in maintaining its influence in South Asia.https://www.aajtak.in/
Why is Bangladesh’s role the most important?
Bangladesh is like a balancing power in this alliance.
It has strong trade and cultural relations with India.
But China’s economic benefits and Pakistan’s Islamic equation are also attractive for it.
The inclusion of Bangladesh in this alliance is being considered a major diplomatic victory for China.
China’s Strategy – “String of Pearls”
China has been working for years on a plan to surround India through sea routes under the “String of Pearls” strategy.
China’s participation in ports like Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) is proof of this.
Now if this triangular alliance becomes active at the maritime level as well, then China can get an indirect military presence in the Indian Ocean.
Future prospects
- Possible joint military exercises
Trilateral military exercises may start between the three countries in the coming years.
- Economic forum and development banking
A regional development forum or bank can be formed with the cooperation of China, which will provide loans and assistance to the countries associated with BRI.
- India will have to formulate a counter-policy
India will have to formulate a counter-strategy through forums like QUAD, BIMSTEC and ASEAN, in which the participation of Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar will have to be increased.https://beingbrij.com/
Conclusion
This emerging triangular alliance of Pakistan-Bangladesh-China can bring a big change in the geopolitics of Asia. It is not just a military or economic alliance, but is part of a larger strategic plan aimed at changing the regional balance. India will have to face this challenge not only at the diplomatic level, but also on strategic, military and economic fronts. To maintain peace and stability in South Asia, it is important that all countries adopt a balanced and cooperative policy, otherwise this new alliance can increase tension and instability in the region.