The United States has claimed that China is trying to build military infrastructure in Bangladesh and other countries. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) shared this in its latest report on global threats.
According to the report, the Chinese military, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is seeking to expand its global presence. One way it plans to do this is by building bases in many countries. Bangladesh is one of the key locations China is targeting.
The report named several other countries where China wants to set up military bases. These include Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Kenya, Guinea, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Gabon, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Tajikistan.
The DIA report says that China is working to compete with the United States on many levels. It wants to be the strongest power in East Asia and also challenge the U.S. on a global scale. The report claims China is trying to boost its economy, improve its technology, and increase its military strength.
The U.S. says that China’s main goals are:
- To lead East Asia.
- To match or beat the U.S. in global power.
- To take back Taiwan and join it with mainland China.
- To make its economy strong and stable.
- To become self-reliant in technology by mid-century.
The report says China is using diplomacy, information, military power, and money to meet these goals. It is also trying to weaken support for U.S. military alliances.
President Xi Jinping is said to be leading a full-scale push to prepare China for competition with the U.S. and its allies. The report claims Xi wants to reduce the political and public support for U.S. military alliances, both in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The report also warns that China is closely watching any changes in U.S. policy. It says China may be planning actions to stop or hit back at the U.S. if it feels that American moves are hurting China’s interests.
The report states, “Beijing is likely to take steps to counter, defeat, or respond to any U.S. actions that are seen as threats to its diplomacy, economy, or security.”
China is also looking for chances to create divisions among the U.S., its allies, and its partners. The report suggests that Chinese leaders might try to push countries like the Philippines and Taiwan, which they see as problems. At the same time, China may try to present itself as a global leader by criticizing U.S. policies on different issues.
The DIA report reflects growing tension between the two biggest world powers. The U.S. sees China’s global military plans as a threat to peace and balance. China, on the other hand, says it is only trying to protect its interests and grow as a global power.
So far, China has not responded to the claims made in the U.S. report. However, past statements from Chinese leaders have denied any plans of global military domination.
As the two countries continue to compete, the rest of the world is watching closely. Many smaller nations, like Bangladesh, may face pressure from both sides as they try to keep good ties with both China and the U.S.
The report shows that global power politics is not just about trade or tech anymore. Military plans are now a key part of the big picture. And for countries like Bangladesh, this could mean big choices ahead.