On June 26, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping held separate meetings in Beijing with Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and President of the Senate, and Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, during their official visits to China.[i] These meetings signify a strategic goal of establishing a reliable economic and political environment as part of China’s long-term influence-building in its immediate neighborhood, rather than just being routine diplomatic contacts.
For China, considering its access to the Bay of Bengal and projects conducted via Myanmar, Bangladesh stands as a highly significant partner, particularly in areas like ports and transportation networks within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In this regard, Qian Feng, Director of the Research Department at the National Strategy Institute of Tsinghua University, stated that “China-Bangladesh cooperation is highly complementary,” adding that “China’s high-standard opening-up provides solid technology, capital, complete industrial chains, and a massive consumer market. Combined with Bangladesh’s geographical advantages and immense domestic demand, the two countries become partners that fit each other perfectly.”[ii]
Cambodia, an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) located in the Indochinese Peninsula, stands as a comprehensive, “all-weather” strategic partner for China. Ge Hongliang, Deputy Director of the College of ASEAN Studies at Guangxi University for Nationalities, noted that the two countries have established a comprehensive cooperation framework covering politics, economy, trade, and security, while maintaining close coordination on cross-border security and South China Sea issues, thereby serving as a solid cornerstone for China-ASEAN cooperation.[iii]
The recent visits of leaders from other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Laos, and Pakistan, to China are a sign that China is seen as an important partner in matters such as economic development, investment, and trade. Therefore, while the diplomatic meetings with the leaders of Cambodia and Bangladesh become a part of China’s regional cooperation network, they also offer economic opportunities, regional political stability, and a strong alliance possibility against risks on global platforms for Asian countries.
The ongoing security crises stemming from the Russia-Ukraine War and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, or the tensions experienced in the Taiwan and South China Sea regions, have led to the reshaping of global balances of power. At the same time, China’s economic and technological advancement has caused the West-centered international order to leave its place to a multi-centered and more competitive order. While the Russia-Ukraine War has left European security dependent on US support, the ongoing humanitarian security crises in Gaza have led to the questioning of the West’s diplomatic effectiveness. The tensions in Taiwan and the South China Sea, on the other hand, stem from differences of opinion regarding the sphere of influence of countries maintaining cooperation with Western states in the region and the powers that have influence in the region within the framework of the “One China Policy” principle.
Therefore, China’s close contacts with the countries in the region signify a strategic balancing policy alongside economic opportunities in this process where balances of power are changing. In this direction, investment agreements and long-term cooperations are being established. China’s intensification of its contacts with countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh is a strategic response given to the changing balances of power in Asia. While these countries try to gain an advantage in the current distribution of power, China is also building an environment close to itself at the political level.
These diplomatic meetings are more than ordinary contacts. In today’s changing and redefined world order, it is seen that actors from different regions also undertake more roles and create an impact in global competition. Therefore, China conducts regular meetings not only with major economies but also with developing countries. The multi-layered diplomatic connections it creates in this way strengthen its political influence while also encouraging the formation of stability in the region. Especially its relations with South and Southeast Asian countries facilitate strategic partnerships through logistics corridors, energy lines, and trade routes, also with the support of the BRI.
In conclusion, while China becomes a multidimensional diplomatic center, it continues to strengthen its Asia-centered diplomatic network. This process has become more visible at a time when environments of tension such as the Russia-Ukraine War, Taiwan, and the South China Sea are experienced. Because, despite crisis environments, China offers a conscious, strategic space that presents opportunities. Especially the strategic position of South Asia in the BRI supports China regarding a long-term sphere of influence through economic networks in the region. The realization of dialogues with countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh shows that China continues to increase its regional sphere of influence by combining its economically-based relations with diplomatic ties.
[i] “Xi meets Cambodia, Bangladesh leadership amid regional visit spree”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202606/1364549.shtml, (Accessed: 27.06.2026).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
