CHINA’S VISION OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY, ECONOMIC CORRIDOR AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR BANGLADESH

Geopolitically South Asia is very important for China’s vision of regional connectivity, trade and development cooperation. In terms of Sino-South Asian geopolitical and economic relations, it might be said that the Bay of Bengal is very important, because it is connected with Andaman Sea, Malacca Straits, which has direct link with South Asia and South East Asia. Both China and India are very interested in the Bay of Bengal for mineral resources which has an easy link with Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indian Ocean. Through the Bay of Bengal, China wants direct regional connectivity between China and Indian Ocean through either South East Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar) or Rakhine state of Myanmar for the expansion of its trade and development cooperation. This study has dealt with the importance of South Asia in light of the China’s geopolitical desire, trade and investment, oil and gas, development cooperation and regional connectivity in South Asia including Bangladesh. It is a qualitative study in nature, which is based on primary and secondary data. Many geopolitical issues of China, South Asia and Bangladesh have been discussed in this study. The finding is that the relationship Between China and South Asia in light of the China’s vision of trade and investment, economic corridor, and development cooperation is, of course, pivotal for both regions.