On account of its strategic location, Bangladesh has been caught within the crossfire between the USA and China as they vie for affect.

Nonetheless, the nation has adopted a impartial stance within the ongoing rivalry between the 2 superpowers, regardless of stress from each side, writes Doreen Chowdhury, a doctoral researcher on the College of Groningen, within the Pacific Discussion board.

The US and China have pressured Bangladesh to align with their respective methods.

China, specifically, has cautioned Bangladesh in opposition to becoming a member of the Quadrilateral Safety Dialogue, whereas the US has repeatedly sought Bangladesh’s assist for its Indo-Pacific technique.

The regional dynamics and the Sino-Indian rivalry have added additional complexities.

The nation’s just lately launched “Indo-Pacific Outlook” highlights its dedication to self-determination and sustaining neutrality within the face of nice energy competitors.

It emphasizes Bangladesh’s adherence to the present liberal worldwide order and its perception in a free, open, peaceable, safe, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The outlook underlines the significance of safety for financial prosperity and asserts that Bangladesh doesn’t intend to align with any particular facet within the geopolitical rivalry.

It reaffirms the nation’s dedication to respecting nationwide sovereignty, selling equality, non-interference in different nations’ inner affairs, and peaceable decision of worldwide disputes.

The outlook additionally emphasizes the importance of connectivity, together with bodily, institutional, power, digital, and human facets, to reinforce commerce and cooperation.

Bangladesh seeks to strengthen partnerships and dialogue amongst Indo-Pacific nations whereas participating with sub-regional companions and related organizations.

By selling liberal values, norms, and multilateralism, Bangladesh goals to steadiness the pursuits of Western powers and rising powers like China and India.

Connectivity performs a central function in Bangladesh’s outlook, encompassing bodily, institutional, power, digital, and human facets.

The nation goals to reinforce the motion of products, providers, capital, and folks throughout borders.

By emphasizing liberal values, norms, and multilateralism, Bangladesh goals to take care of the established order favored by Western powers whereas facilitating the pursuits of rising powers like China and India.

The outlook permits Bangladesh to navigate tensions between nice powers and strike a steadiness within the present geopolitical rivalry.

The success of this method will rely on Bangladesh’s diplomacy and nationwide energy.

Nonetheless, the outlook serves as a mannequin for different small and littoral Indo-Pacific states, demonstrating {that a} impartial coverage can foster peace, safety, and cooperation within the area.