Speakers at a seminar have observed that after several decades of limited engagement, China has rapidly deepened and diversified its relations with India and its neighbouring countries.
They argued that China’s objective is two-fold: to encourage policies that are favourable for itself and to preempt decisions that would go against its core interests.
Participants also emphasized that China has become increasingly influential beyond just trade and other economic ties with South Asia.
KRF Centre for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA) organized the International Seminar on “How China Engages South Asia: Themes, Partners and Tools” on Wednesday in Dhaka, said a press release.
The seminar presented the findings of a research project on China’s role in South Asia conducted by India’s Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) based on eight case studies, including Bangladesh.
Speakers highlighted different aspects of China’s growing role in South Asia covering a range of sectors including education, public diplomacy, technology, social media, civil society, party politics, religion and governance.
Professor Delwar Hossain chaired the seminar, while two Indian scholars, Constantino Xavier and Jabin T Jacob from CSEP, New Delhi, presented the keynote papers.
The chair of the seminar, Professor Delwar Hossain, observed that South Asia has become a critically important region in the current world where both China and India should play a constructive role.
Professor Delwar argued that there should be more exchange and interactions of epistemic communities in South Asia.
Published in Dhaka Tribune [Link]
