Rising Chinese Engagement with Extremism
In recent times, China’s involvement with Islamic extremism
has noticeably increased. This shift has seen China move from engaging solely
with state actors to patronizing extremist non-state terrorist groups. This
strategic pivot has broad implications for regional stability and international
relations.
Strained Relations Between China and Sheikh Hasina
A month before her resignation, relations between China and
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were deteriorating. Reports suggest
that Hasina received a cold reception in China, cutting her visit short. This
may indicate that China had intelligence on an impending coup against her or
was directly involved in orchestrating it—or perhaps both.
Political Turmoil in Bangladesh
Following these events, Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled Dhaka
to a safer location, possibly India, as a mob breached security to enter her
house—a scene reminiscent of the revolution in Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh
military has since announced an interim government, echoing historical
instances where army chiefs sided with foreign powers against their own
leaders.
Historical Parallels and Current Events
The history of Bengal is replete with examples of army
chiefs aligning with foreign entities against their sovereigns. This raises
questions about whether Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is
repeating history for China, akin to Mir Jafar's betrayal of Siraj-ud-Daulah at
the Battle of Plassey.
China's Strategic Moves in South Asia
China’s direct intervention in Bangladesh, potentially in
collaboration with Pakistan’s ISI and other elements of the Muslim Brotherhood,
is a calculated move. Historically, China’s engagement in the region began with
Pakistan to counterbalance India. Pakistan provided China access to the Indian
Ocean and helped keep India landlocked in the north. Diplomatic engagements
with the Middle East for energy security and relationships with the GCC and OIC
further solidified China’s influence.
Escalation of Chinese Support for Extremist Groups
China’s support for extremist groups has expanded
significantly. This includes cooperation with Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in
Kashmir and recognizing the Taliban to suppress ISIS-K and armed East Turkistan
rebels. This shift from engaging state actors to supporting non-state terrorist
groups marks a significant escalation in China’s strategy.
Influence in the Middle East
China’s ambitions extend to the Middle East, where it has
attempted to mediate peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in a
historic agreement. More recently, China has shown open support for Hamas,
hosting 14 Palestinian groups in Beijing to legitimize them, despite not
acknowledging the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel or addressing Israel’s
security concerns.
Implications for Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father
Mujib ur Rahman, was unpopular with Islamists due to her stance against groups
like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (Jamaat) and its student wing, Chhatrashibir.
These groups have strong ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and have infiltrated
the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and possibly the armed
forces.
Geopolitical Ramifications for India
Hasina’s departure to Delhi, where she has spent years in
exile, is seen by China as a pro-India move. Beijing, mistrustful of Hasina,
prefers a puppet government in Dhaka that would provide strategic advantages
against India. This political instability in Bangladesh, combined with ongoing
conflicts in Myanmar, threatens India’s regional initiatives like BIMSTEC and
the IMEC.
China's Broader Strategy
China’s engagement with Muslim organizations globally,
initially a tactic to deflect criticism of its Uyghur policies, has evolved
into alliances with extremist non-state actors. This strategy aims to disrupt
democracies and accelerate geopolitical shifts. However, China must tread
carefully, as the Muslim Brotherhood and similar entities can be unpredictable
allies.
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