Washington is uneasy over Bangladesh’s growing military cooperation with China, and the United States’ new ambassador-designate, Brent Christensen, has said he will work to discourage Dhaka’s leadership from further reliance on Beijing for defence procurements.
Christensen, a career diplomat with extensive experience in Asia, appeared before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday for his confirmation hearing.
During the hearing, Senator Pete Ricketts expressed concern that Bangladesh’s interim government is planning to acquire 20 Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets. He asked how the incoming ambassador would engage with Dhaka to ensure greater transparency in its defence procurement process.
In response, Christensen said: “I share your concern about Chinese influence across South Asia. If confirmed, I would engage with the Bangladeshi government and military to clearly articulate the risks associated with Chinese activities — including military engagement, maritime involvement, and critical infrastructure projects — while also highlighting the opportunities and benefits of a closer partnership with the United States, particularly between our two militaries.”
In his opening statement, Christensen reiterated Washington’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
“The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future. Student-led protests in August 2024 brought down a government that had been in power for 15 years. The people of Bangladesh will go to the polls early next year — the country’s most consequential election in decades — to choose a new government and a new path forward,” he said.
Christensen’s remarks reflect Washington’s strategic intent to counterbalance Beijing’s growing footprint in South Asia, particularly in defence and infrastructure sectors.
