Introduction
What are the key elements of the Chinese ‘soft power’ strategy in Bangladesh? How has this strategy influenced the economic, social, and cultural landscape of Bangladesh? This article explores these questions, shedding light on the dynamics of the Bangladesh-China relationship.
On March 2, 2023, Brand Finance – the world’s renowned consultancy agency – published a report on the Global Soft Power Index (GSPIS) in London, examining the brands of 121 nations. The report indicates that Western countries significantly outpace South Asian and African nations in their pursuit of soft power. Coined by political scientist Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, soft power is a term used in international relations to describe a country’s ability to influence others through cultural appeal, values, and diplomacy rather than coercion or force. As we delve into China’s soft power in Bangladesh, it’s essential to understand its various dimensions, from trade and investment to cultural engagement and educational exchange.
Bangladesh-China Trade
Since the post-Cold War era, the magnitude of Bangladesh-China relations has grown significantly. Historically, the two nations share a longstanding friendship, which has paved the way for substantial trade cooperation. As of 2019, China became Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume reaching $18.33 billion. Notably, Chinese imports account for 34% of Bangladesh’s total imports. Additionally, China has introduced a zero-tariff policy for 97% of Bangladeshi exports, further solidifying its position as a key strategic trade partner.
This dynamic trade relationship underscores how China asserts its influence by integrating economic development with diplomacy, establishing a foothold in Bangladesh’s rapidly growing market.
Chinese Foreign Direct Investment
Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh has also seen remarkable growth, becoming a cornerstone of bilateral relations. China’s investments in infrastructure development are particularly notable. Large-scale projects, including the Padma Bridge and power generation facilities, are pivotal contributions to Bangladesh’s economic infrastructure. Moreover, investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) like the Bangabandhu Industrial Park serve to spur manufacturing and exports, aligning with Bangladesh’s goals of economic development.
Between 2016 and 2022, Chinese investment in Bangladesh approached nearly US$26 billion, with $1 billion recorded in 2022 alone – a significant increase from previous years. This influx of FDI demonstrates China’s commitment to deepening its economic ties with Bangladesh while ensuring its influence in the region expands.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2013, has emerged as a prominent feature of China’s global economic strategy. With an estimated cost of approximately $2.1 trillion, the BRI aims to enhance global trade and infrastructure and has garnered participation from 148 countries, including Bangladesh.
The BRI bifurcates into two major components: the Silk Road Economic Belt, emphasizing land routes, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, focusing on sea routes. In Bangladesh, the BRI’s core priorities—policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people connections—have been highlighted through projects that aim to strengthen connectivity and economic collaboration.
However, criticism of the BRI, particularly regarding accusations of ‘debt-trap diplomacy,’ has led to mixed perceptions in Bangladesh. Awareness and discussions around these challenges are crucial, as they impact the broader understanding of China’s strategic intentions in the region.
Public Diplomacy
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped geopolitical dynamics, leading to enhanced ‘vaccine diplomacy’ initiatives. China’s efforts began in July 2020, with the first vaccine trials conducted in Brazil and continued with vaccine supplies to several low- and medium-income countries, including Bangladesh. These initiatives portray China as a benevolent partner, assisting countries in undermining a globally shared health crisis and enhancing its standing in the eyes of Bangladeshi citizens.
Confucius Institutes & Cultural Engagement
Cultural diplomacy is another critical component of China’s soft power strategy, exemplified by the establishment of Confucius Institutes worldwide, including several in Bangladesh. These institutes promote the Chinese language and culture, facilitating cultural exchanges and fostering goodwill between the two nations. The Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka and those at North South University offer language courses and cultural programs, significantly enhancing educational ties and mutual understanding.
Scholarships and Exchange Programs
China has become a favored destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education, especially in fields like medicine and engineering. Programs like the Chinese Government Scholarship foster this educational engagement, making it accessible for Bangladeshi students to study in China. This evolving trend strengthens bilateral relations and enhances people-to-people connections, bolstering China’s soft power in Bangladesh.
Research Centers & Collaboration
The Center for China Studies at the University of Dhaka exemplifies academic collaboration between Bangladesh and China. Such institutions are vital for promoting research, cultural exchange, and deeper understanding of China in Bangladesh. They offer teams of scholars opportunities for research and community engagement, further cementing ties between the two nations.
Soft Power: A Comparative Analysis
China’s soft power strategy is often compared to that of other nations, most notably India and the United States. While both China and India have rich cultural heritages, China’s cohesive soft power strategy is evident through its cultural initiatives, economic diplomacy, and educational exchange programs. Conversely, India benefits from its established democratic image and vibrant civil society.
In contrast, the United States maintains its soft power through cultural dominance and technological prowess. Meanwhile, Japan and the UK leverage their advanced technologies and historical legacies. Each nation’s approach reflects its unique political, social, and cultural contexts, demonstrating that soft power is multifaceted.
Conclusion
China’s soft power strategy in Bangladesh reveals a nuanced approach to fostering goodwill and strengthening bilateral ties through cultural, social, and economic initiatives. While the BRI presents both opportunities and challenges, key components such as educational exchanges, public diplomacy, and cultural engagement underpin China’s influence. This strategy, often characterized by fostering stable relationships, positions China as a pivotal partner in Bangladesh’s growth narrative amidst competition from regional and global powers like India, Japan, and the U.S. Ultimately, China’s soft power in Bangladesh reflects a shared interest, aiming for collaboration rather than coercion.