The Voice News: China intends to build military infrastructure in Bangladesh and several other countries to expand its dominance, according to the United States. This claim was made in the annual “Threat Assessment” report released by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which provides detailed insights on China, Russia, terrorism, and other issues. The report specifically mentions that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) wants to establish infrastructure in Bangladesh.
Besides Bangladesh, the list also includes Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Kenya, Guinea, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Gabon, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Tajikistan.
According to the report, China is continuing its efforts to challenge the United States. The report notes that China is committed to its strategic goals: becoming a dominant power in East Asia, competing with the U.S. for global leadership, integrating Taiwan with the mainland, enhancing the resilience and development of its economy, and achieving technological self-reliance by mid-century.
Furthermore, the report states that China is expanding its global capabilities across diplomatic, informational, military, and economic domains to counter the U.S. and its allies.
The U.S. agency also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is undertaking a comprehensive effort to better prepare China for competition with the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Simultaneously, he is also focusing on weakening public and political support for U.S. military alliances.
The report adds that this year, Beijing will closely monitor shifts in U.S. policies and is likely preparing measures to deter, defeat, or retaliate against any U.S. actions perceived to threaten China’s diplomatic, economic, or security interests. Chinese officials are also expected to seek opportunities to create rifts between the U.S. and its allies and partners. Additionally, China may increase pressure on countries it sees as challenges—such as the Philippines and Taiwan—while criticizing U.S. policies and presenting itself as a global leader.