In its annual report, the US Defense Ministry, the Pentagon, has released a frightening report regarding China’s military preparations in four neighbouring countries of India. In this report, the Pentagon has revealed that China, which is building a naval base in Gwadar, Pakistan, is now considering establishing a military base in Bangladesh as well.
The US report states that the Chinese army, the PLA, is actively considering expanded additional military facilities so that they can demonstrate naval and air power with the help of ground forces. These countries include Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and about a dozen other countries. The same report states that China has so far supplied 20 J-10 fighter jets to Pakistan as well.
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The Pentagon's statement
The Pentagon has further stated that China seeks to establish military facilities in Angola, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cuba, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, UAE, and Vanuatu.
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The PLA’s primary desire is to gain military access to the Malacca Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, and other African and Middle Eastern regions. China wants to maintain its sea line of communication in these areas. China considers the Malacca Strait as its biggest choke point, where the US and Indian navies from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could encircle it.
Military ties between China and Bangladesh are very strong
Meanwhile, a US report states that Bangladesh is interested in purchasing J-10C fighter jets from China. This is the same fighter jet that Pakistan used against India’s Rafale. Bangladesh has been strengthening its military alliance with China since the time of Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh is a major customer of Chinese military vehicles and VT-5 light tanks. In 2024, China has handed over two Ming-class submarines and two warships to Bangladesh. China has changed sides since the rise of the Muhammad Yunus government and is openly supporting them.
Tensions Between India and China
The US report states that while tensions are ongoing between India and China, Beijing is strengthening its military ties with Pakistan. It states that China is warming up its relationship with India to prevent the strengthening of friendship between India and the US. According to the report, this is why China has de-escalated tensions with India on the LAC. It should be noted that tensions between the two countries have eased following the meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping. Visa services have resumed. The report warns that China has included Arunachal Pradesh in its “core interests,” which are linked to sovereignty.
China is providing Pakistan with everything from fighter jets to submarines
China is supplying Pakistan with a large amount of modern weaponry. This includes warships, Hangor-class submarines, and fighter jets. China has offered Pakistan three fighter jets, including the fifth-generation FC-31 fighter jet and fourth-generation J-10. Pakistan and China had jointly developed the JF-17 fighter jet. China has delivered 20 J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan by May 2025.
Also Read: Can China attack Arunachal Pradesh? Why did an expert call the Pentagon’s report a warning?