Bangladesh Allows Chinese Envoy Visit Near India’s Strategic Siliguri Corridor

Bangladesh: Bangladesh had recently allowed the Chinese ambassador to go close to a very sensitive area of ​​the country, which is considered adjacent to India's Siliguri Corridor, i.e., the 'Chicken Neck.' After this tour came to light, the stir had intensified from New Delhi to the security circles. It is believed that this step was taken at a time when regional politics was already going through many changes.

Why did the Chinese ambassador reach there?

China's Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen was taken to the area related to the Testa River Project. This is the same area, which falls near the narrow corridor connecting the north-eastern states of India. According to Bangladeshi officials, the visit was related to the inspection of a technical project, and they discussed aspects related to water management and irrigation.

Why is there so much concern about 'chicken neck'?

Siliguri Corridor is considered the backbone of India's geographical security. This route connects states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland with the rest of the country. Its width is extremely low at many places, so any outdoor activity is considered extremely sensitive here.

How was this tour viewed in India?

Indian security experts and former diplomats described the move as different from the usual visit. They say that the visit of a representative of a foreign power close to such a strategic area creates concern, even if it is called a technical visit. However, no sharp public reaction has been given by the Government of India on this.

What explanation did the Bangladesh government give?

Dhaka clarified that the purpose of this visit was completely related to the development project and it has nothing to do with giving any message against any country. Officials say that the Teesta River Project is very important for the northern areas of Bangladesh and international cooperation in this is natural.

Does this show a new picture of China-Bangladesh relations?

In the last few years, China has made huge investments in roads, bridges, power plants and water projects in Bangladesh. In such a situation, many experts believe that this visit also shows the increasing closeness between the two countries. However, Dhaka has been repeatedly reiterating that it wants to maintain balanced relations with all major countries.

How far can its impact go in the future?

After this development, attention has once again been focused on the diplomacy of South Asia. What new turn the relations between India, China and Bangladesh will take in the coming months will also depend on what kind of activities take place in such sensitive areas in future.