Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday and concluded his five-day visit to China. During the visit, both countries finalised an agreement to develop an economic zone near Mongla port. The decision replaced an earlier proposal that India had planned to develop. The land for the economic zone at Mongla, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport after Chittagong, was originally reserved for India. However, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government removed the project from India's list in 2025 after relations between the two countries worsened following the removal of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister in 2024.

The new agreement could increase China's strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean region. China has already invested in several important ports across the region, including Gwadar in Pakistan and Djibouti in East Africa. The Mongla project marks another step in Beijing's efforts to strengthen its influence in South Asia and expand its regional connectivity.

During the meeting, Xi Jinping expressed China's support for Bangladesh's current administration. He said China remains ready to work closely with Dhaka under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi also assured Bangladesh that China is willing to expand cooperation in several important sectors. These include green and low-carbon development, the digital economy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields.

Both countries also agreed to jointly move forward with the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong. China further promised support for the Teesta River management and restoration project. The project forms part of Beijing's effort to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management. Bangladesh shares 54 rivers with India, making river management an important area of regional cooperation.

“No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of Bangladesh-China friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh,” according to a joint statement.

The two sides also agreed to increase cooperation in maritime affairs, agriculture, education, trade and investment, and technology sharing. They decided to continue advancing the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor as part of their broader economic partnership. The agreement reflects both countries' intention to strengthen long-term cooperation across several sectors while expanding regional connectivity and development.

The visit highlighted the growing partnership between China and Bangladesh at a time of changing regional dynamics. The Mongla port agreement and other development projects signal a deeper strategic relationship between the two countries. The latest deals also underline China's continued efforts to strengthen its economic and strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean region through infrastructure, investment, and regional cooperation.