A recent report has raised concerns that Bangladesh’s defence deal with China may lead to long-term dependency, emphasizing the need for strategic balance in the country’s foreign policy. While relations with China can provide opportunities for Bangladesh, the report stresses that defence modernisation should be pursued in line with the country’s economic capacity, technology development, and human resource growth. There are signs of a major change in Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
Amidst the long-standing diplomatic balance, initiatives to increase defence, infrastructure and economic cooperation with China have now come to the fore. New discussions have begun surrounding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China—especially the possibility of purchasing J-10CE fighter jets from China, military technology cooperation and Chinese financing for major infrastructure projects. The report also questioned the rationale behind the multi-billion-dollar acquisition of J-10 CE fighter jets, asking whether such a massive defence expenditure is justified for a developing country where critical sectors such as healthcare, education, skills development and employment continue to face significant challenges.
The report emphasizes that a country’s long-term strength is built on the foundations of a robust economy, technological advancement, a skilled workforce and strong social institutions. Therefore, before expanding its defence ties with China, the report said, Bangladesh must carefully assess whether such engagement constitutes a necessary strategic investment or risks creating the foundations of long-term dependency. Bangladesh is planning to buy the J-10 CE multirole fighter jet from China.
Discussions are underway to buy 20 to 24 fighter jets under a possible deal, which could be worth several billion dollars. China is promoting the J-10CE as a modern 4.5-generation fighter jet. It is claimed to have an AESA radar, a modern missile system and multi-role combat capabilities.
However, a section of international defence analysts believes that the actual combat effectiveness of the aircraft has not yet been fully proven. The report stressed that procuring a fighter jet is not merely about acquiring the aircraft but also requires long-term training, pilot development, spare parts, maintenance systems and technical support. It warned that growing dependence on one country’s military technology could create long-term strategic pressure in terms of future supplies of spare parts, maintenance support, and future upgrades.
China’s military technology, the report said, has also faced scrutiny over the years. In 2016, Yu Shu, the first Chinese female J-10 CE pilot, lost her life in a training crash involving the fighter jet in Hebei Province of China. Highlighting the wider implication of Bangladesh’s military dependence on China, the report said, For a developing country like Bangladesh, defence spending of several billion dollars, therefore, needs to be considered not only from a military perspective but also from an economic priority perspective.
The question is, if the same amount of money had been spent on the country’s technological education, health system, or skills development, which investment would have increased Bangladesh’s strength more in the long run?
