Chinese naval vessels have made a visit to Bangladesh, marking the first foreign fleet to arrive since the interim government took control

• The Chinese ambassador to Dhaka stated that, despite changes in the government in Dhaka, China's dedication to maintaining robust bilateral relations remains steadfast. The fleet is currently docked at Chittagong port, where Bangladesh is constructing a new dock with assistance from China

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, a Chinese naval fleet arrived in Bangladesh, marking the first foreign fleet to visit since the interim government took power in Dhaka in early August. China's ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, emphasized that the relationship between China and Bangladesh will continue to flourish despite the recent political changes in Dhaka. 

"Regardless of the shifts in Bangladesh's domestic situation, China’s commitment to enhancing China-Bangladesh relations remains steadfast. We look forward to collaborating closely with Bangladesh to strengthen our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors, as well as high-quality Belt and Road initiatives," stated the Chinese embassy in Dhaka.

Previously, Mr. Yao Wen met with the commanders of the Chinese naval fleet, Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan, as well as Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral Mohammed Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority. They discussed plans to enhance maritime and security cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Chinese naval forces.

According to Mr. Yao Wen, China and Bangladesh are "comprehensive strategic cooperative partners." The last major interaction between the two nations was during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit from July 8 to 10, when she had to cut her trip short to address student protests in Dhaka.

Bangladesh has been developing a dock in Chittagong with assistance from China, which has drawn interest for its potential to accommodate submarines and warships. However, the South China Morning Post noted in May that experts believed New Delhi was "not overly concerned," suggesting that the strong political ties between Sheikh Hasina and India would mitigate any such concerns.

The Chinese PLA Task Group 83 arrived at Chittagong port amid a warm welcome, with citizens from both countries waving their national flags. The fleet will remain at Chittagong Port for four days, hosting various events, including bilateral meetings, deck receptions, and open ship days, aimed at fostering cooperation and mutual trust between the navies of China and Bangladesh, according to the Chinese embassy in Dhaka.