Beijing Urges Washington to Act in Ways ‘Conducive to Bangladesh’s Stability’

The Chronify

January 22, 2026

China has rejected comments by the US ambassador to Bangladesh regarding Chinese influence in South Asia, calling them irresponsible and unfounded. Beijing urged Washington to focus on actions that support Bangladesh’s stability and regional cooperation.

China on Thursday strongly reacted to recent China-related remarks made by the Brent Christensen, urging the United States to be more mindful of its responsibilities and to focus on actions that are conducive to Bangladesh’s stability and regional development.

In a statement issued by a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, Beijing described the US ambassador’s comments as “irresponsible and utterly unfounded.” The spokesperson said the remarks confused right and wrong and were driven by ulterior motives.

The statement emphasised that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Bangladesh have consistently supported each other, maintained equality, and engaged in win-win cooperation. According to Beijing, China–Bangladesh cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries and contributed positively to regional stability and development.

China also stressed that bilateral cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing is a matter solely for the two countries and their peoples, and should not be subject to interference or finger-pointing by the United States.

The reaction followed remarks made by Ambassador Christensen on Wednesday, when he said he was concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. Speaking to a small group of journalists, Christensen said the United States has multiple options to help partner militaries meet their capability needs.

Referring to his earlier confirmation hearing, the ambassador said he would continue to engage with Bangladesh’s interim or newly elected government to clearly articulate what he described as the risks of involvement with China in certain areas, should Dhaka choose that path.

Beijing’s response underscores growing diplomatic friction between China and the United States over influence in South Asia, with Bangladesh increasingly positioned at the centre of competing geopolitical interests.