On October 12, 2024, Chinese navy ships Qi Jiguang and Jinggangshan docked in Chittagong, Bangladesh, marking the first foreign naval visit under the new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, who took office following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. China's ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, emphasized that this visit signifies the strengthening of relations between the two nations [27c33fb2].
India, however, views this development with growing concern, interpreting it as part of a broader pattern of Chinese military build-up in South Asia. Analysts have pointed out that China's defense engagement in the region has been increasing, notably with the commissioning of a submarine base in Bangladesh in March 2023 [27c33fb2]. In response, India has sought to bolster its own defense collaborations with neighboring countries, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka, to counterbalance China's influence [27c33fb2].
The diplomatic landscape between India and Bangladesh has also shifted, with deteriorating relations attributed to allegations of human rights abuses during Hasina's tenure. Experts are now advising India to reassess its approach towards the newly established Bangladeshi government, as the geopolitical dynamics in South Asia continue to evolve [27c33fb2].
In a related context, Malaysia is enhancing its naval defense capabilities by operationalizing a new naval base in Bintulu, Sarawak, by 2030. This base is strategically located near the disputed South Luconia Shoals, an area claimed by China. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the growing assertiveness of China in the South China Sea, which has raised tensions in the region [353e2d8c]. The establishment of this base is seen as crucial for Malaysia to improve its maritime security and response times to incidents in its waters [353e2d8c].