China is reportedly planning to establish a military base in Bangladesh as part of a broader effort to expand its global military footprint, according to the latest Pentagon report. The report highlights China’s simultaneous military cooperation with Pakistan and its continued efforts to project power beyond the “First Island Chain.” We reached out to the Pentagon for comment.
Why It Matters
The developments could shift the strategic balance in South Asia, particularly affecting U.S. and Indian interests. A Chinese base in Bangladesh may enable regional intelligence gathering, force projection, and greater naval reach. The Pentagon warns that these moves are largely secretive, complicating detection by host nations and potentially challenging U.S. regional influence.
What To Know
The Pentagon’s report notes that China is pursuing military bases in multiple countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, to support naval and air operations and enhance global intelligence capabilities. The PLA continues to modernize its nuclear arsenal, long-range missiles, and cyber warfare capabilities.
The report further highlights China’s ongoing collaboration with Pakistan, including supplying J-10C fighter jets, developing JF-17 aircraft jointly, and conducting joint military exercises. China’s overarching goal is to establish a “world-class” military by 2049 and achieve decisive capabilities against Taiwan, counterbalance U.S. strategic power, and influence regional neighbors.
While China seeks expanded influence, the Pentagon emphasizes that the U.S. aims to prevent any regional power from dominating its allies and stresses the importance of dialogue to avoid conflict. The report underscores a persistent trust deficit between China and India, particularly over disputed territories such as Arunachal Pradesh, and notes China’s dual approach: reducing friction with India while strengthening ties with Pakistan.
What People Are Saying
Pentagon report, 2025, notes: “China’s actions in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other countries are part of a global strategy to expand its operational reach and intelligence-gathering capabilities.”
U.S. officials, speaking on background to media outlets, warned that these developments are “largely clandestine, making it difficult for host nations and the U.S. to fully assess intentions or capabilities.”
What Happens Next
The Pentagon report suggests monitoring China’s overseas infrastructure and military agreements as the PLA continues its expansion. Congressional hearings on U.S. Indo-Pacific posture are expected in early 2026, and further updates on China’s base development may follow in the next annual report.
