U.S. Claim on China’s Military Presence in Bangladesh Is False: Chinese Envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has dismissed a recent report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which claims that China is considering establishing a military presence in several countries, including Bangladesh.

“The American intelligence agency’s report is not correct,” Yao told reporters following a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin at the commerce ministry in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The DIA report, titled 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment, lists Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar among the countries where China is allegedly exploring military expansion. However, the report does not specify the nature or extent of such a presence.

In contrast, Ambassador Yao emphasized growing economic cooperation, announcing that a high-level business delegation from China’s Ministry of Commerce will visit Bangladesh to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.

The 150-member Chinese delegation is set to arrive on 31 May and remain until 2 July. During their stay, they will engage with Bangladeshi business leaders and senior government officials, sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and participate in a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). They will also visit various economic zones to assess investment opportunities.

Yao added that a separate dialogue will be held between Chinese delegates and local entrepreneurs to explore prospects for future collaboration.