Shanghai-based South Asia expert says Bangladesh must put “Bangladesh First” as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is touring China amid expectations of major infrastructure and industrial deals.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's ongoing official visit to China is being closely watched as a potential turning point in Bangladesh-China relations, with a leading Chinese scholar describing the trip as a measure of Dhaka’s willingness to pursue an independent foreign and development policy.

In an article published in the Global Times, Liu Zongyi, director of the Center for South Asia Studies of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said Rahman’s visit from Wednesday to Friday comes at a time when the two countries are seeking deeper economic and strategic cooperation.

According to Liu, both nations are expecting more than 15 bilateral agreements to be signed during the visit, covering major infrastructure and industrial projects.

Liu described China and Bangladesh as “traditional friends and neighbors” whose ties have evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, formally upgraded in 2024. 

He highlighted China’s position as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years and pointed to Beijing’s zero-tariff treatment for all taxable Bangladeshi exports as evidence of deepening economic engagement.

The Chinese analyst argued, however, that bilateral relations face challenges from geopolitical competition. He claimed that some major powers seek to draw Bangladesh into exclusive security and development arrangements while portraying China-backed projects through “debt trap” narratives.

Liu also identified domestic political stability, policy continuity and differing perceptions of China among Bangladeshi elites as obstacles to closer cooperation. 

While some policymakers recognize the benefits of engagement with Beijing, he said, concerns remain about potential reactions from the United States and other Western countries.

Looking ahead, Liu predicted that Rahman’s visit would accelerate industrial cooperation, encourage Bangladesh’s integration into Asian supply chains and expand collaboration within Global South platforms and regional mechanisms. 

He also called for greater exchanges between political parties, think tanks and local governments.

“Bangladeshi policymakers need the political courage to truly prioritize ‘Bangladesh First,’” Liu wrote, arguing that the visit would demonstrate to both countries and the wider international community the extent of Bangladesh’s commitment to cooperation with China.

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