International desk

Besiege India; It has accelerated the implementation of defense projects in Bangladesh

Bringing his country's companies to Dhaka is not the only priority for Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jimming. Among his obvious goals are to complete some important projects quickly. One of them is the construction of a state-of-the-art submarine base BNS Sheikh Hasina at Pekua in Cox's Bazar.

China has already provided two submarines to the Bangladesh Navy in an effort to strengthen its foothold in the Indian Ocean.

Professional diplomat Li Jiming, 56, played a key role in bringing Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina closer to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A joint statement issued last year said Sheikh Hasina not only supported Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but also agreed with China's plan to strengthen the defense industry. This includes strengthening the Bangladesh Navy and maritime management in the Bay of Bengal.

Despite Sheikh Hasina's warm relations with New Delhi, Beijing wants to strengthen its presence in the subcontinent by building infrastructure like submarine bases at ports, airports or Cox's Bazar at subsidized rates.

Indian intelligence agencies told IANS that China's state-owned Poly Technologies Inc. (PTI) has been commissioned to build the submarine base. It will cost Rs 10,300 crore in full construction.

Construction work has already begun. The submarine base will have facilities like font, barracks, ammunition depot and repair deck.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, Beijing has tasked Ambassador Li to expedite the completion of several important infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including the Cox's Bazar base.

Lee has previously served in the government of Yunnan Province. People with him