From Traditional to Strategic Partnership: Exploring the Dynamics of Bangladesh-China Relations

Bangladesh-China bilateral relations have drawn huge attention within the academic and political discourses of International Relations (IR) due to its unique characteristics. Both countries have been able to forge a strong partnership despite their sizes and status in world politics which defies traditional IR thinking. This paper explores the intricate dynamics behind the transition of Bangladesh-China relations from a traditional to a strategic partnership. Despite China's initial reservations regarding Bangladesh's liberation war, bilateral relations embarked on a positive trajectory after China formally recognized Bangladesh as an independent country in 1975. This study emphasizes the crucial role of deepened political and socio-cultural understanding as a catalyst in elevating the relationship to a strategic level. By unraveling the transformation, this paper aims to shed light on the pivotal factors and milestones behind the shift, offering valuable insights into the broader implications of this partnership on the global stage. Characterized by strong mutual trust and deepening cooperation across economic, security, and development sectors, Bangladesh-China relationship embodies a comprehensive and mutually interdependent partnership. However, this paper also highlights existing challenges that must be addressed to ensure a long-term and sustainable collaboration between these two Asian countries.