# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Indo US posturing on China via Bangladesh" by Imtiaz Gul, Published in Tribune on May 30th, 2025:* The article analyzes the *Indo-US strategic posturing* against *China* following recent developments in *Bangladesh*. *Zee News* reported on *May 29* that *India* deployed *Rafale fighters* and *Russian S-400 air defense systems* at the *Siliguri Corridor* due to perceived threats from *Dhaka*. Simultaneously, *US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth* emphasized at the *Shangri-La Dialogue* in *Singapore* that *China* poses a "real and imminent threat" and is preparing to use military force in the *Indo-Pacific*. The article challenges US claims about *Chinese aggression*, questioning whether *China* has ever invaded countries like the *US* did in *Afghanistan*, *Iraq*, or *Libya*, or endorsed genocide like *Israel's actions against Palestinians*. *Beijing* regained *Hong Kong* through negotiations and seeks *Taiwan's reunification* under the *One China policy*. The author critiques the *US-NATO war games* involving *17,000 troops* in *April* with the *Philippines* to simulate war with *China* over *Taiwan* and the *South China Sea*. *India's* concern stems from *Bangladesh's* interim leader *Dr. Muhammad Yunus* referring to *India's northeast* as landlocked during his *China visit* in *March*, prompting *New Delhi* to restrict *Bangladeshi exports*. The *Sheikh Hasina* government's fall in *August 2024* reduced *India's influence* built over two decades. The growing *Dhaka-Beijing proximity* worries *India*, especially after the *Yunus administration* moved the *$1 billion Teesta River project* to *China* and decided to revive the *1931 Lalmonirhat airbase* near the *Siliguri Corridor*. The *Siliguri Corridor* in *West Bengal* connects *India's mainland* to its *northeastern Seven Sisters states* and is only *22km* wide, sitting between *Bangladesh*, *Nepal*, *Bhutan*, and *China*. The article suggests both *US* and *Indian* actions target *China* and may use the alleged *China-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka-Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran axis* to justify attacks on *Chinese interests*. However, this may harm *Indo-US interests* more than *China's*, which has built extensive partnerships through the *Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)* rather than military interventions. The author advocates for *mutually beneficial cooperation* instead of artificially created threats to demonize target countries. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *India* deployed *Rafale jets* and *S-400 systems* at *Siliguri Corridor* following *Bangladesh's* shift toward *China*. *US Defense Secretary Hegseth* warned of *Chinese threats* at *Shangri-La Dialogue*. The article challenges *US-India* claims about *Chinese aggression*, noting *China* hasn't invaded countries like *US* did. *Bangladesh's* interim leader *Yunus* called *India's northeast* landlocked, prompting *Indian* export restrictions. *Sheikh Hasina's* fall reduced *Indian influence* while *Dhaka-Beijing* ties grew stronger with *China* getting the *$1 billion Teesta project* and *Lalmonirhat airbase* revival. The *22km Siliguri Corridor* connects *India's mainland* to *Seven Sisters states* and remains strategically vulnerable. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Diplomatic Engagement* *India* should engage with *Bangladesh* through diplomatic channels rather than military posturing. ## *2. Economic Cooperation* Resume *bilateral trade* and lift export restrictions to maintain *Indo-Bangladesh* economic ties. ## *3. Regional Dialogue* Establish *multilateral forums* involving *India*, *Bangladesh*, *China*, and *US* for conflict resolution. ## *4. Confidence Building Measures* Implement *trust-building initiatives* between *India* and *Bangladesh* to reduce tensions. ## *5. Peaceful Coexistence* Accept *Bangladesh's* sovereign right to develop relationships with *China* and other nations. ## *6. Joint Development Projects* Propose *trilateral cooperation* on *Teesta River* and other infrastructure projects. ## *7. De-escalation Mechanisms* Create *hotlines* and *emergency protocols* to prevent military miscalculations in the region. ## *8. Track-II Diplomacy* Engage *civil society*, *academia*, and *business communities* for people-to-people connections. ## *9. Respect Sovereignty* Acknowledge *Bangladesh's* right to make independent foreign policy decisions. ## *10. Focus on Common Challenges* Collaborate on *climate change*, *terrorism*, and *economic development* rather than military competition. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Zee News* reported on *May 29* about *Indian* military deployments at *Siliguri Corridor*. - *US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth* spoke at *Shangri-La Dialogue* in *Singapore* on *May 30*. - *US-Philippines* joint exercises in *April* involved *17,000 troops*. - *Sheikh Hasina* fell from power in *August 2024*. - *Dr. Muhammad Yunus* visited *China* in *March* and called *India's northeast* landlocked. - *$1 billion Teesta River project* was moved from *India* to *China*. - *1931 Lalmonirhat airbase* is being revived near *Siliguri Corridor*. - *Siliguri Corridor* is only *22km* wide and connects *India's mainland* to *Seven Sisters states*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Siliguri Corridor* is also called *Chicken's Neck* due to its narrow width (*Geographic studies*, 2024). - *China's Belt and Road Initiative* involves *150+ countries* with *$1 trillion* investment (*World Bank*, 2024). - *India-Bangladesh trade* was worth *$18 billion* in *2023* (*Export-Import Bank*, 2024). - *Bangladesh* is *India's* largest trading partner in *South Asia* (*Ministry of External Affairs*, 2024). - *US military spending* reached *$877 billion* in *2024* (*SIPRI*, 2024). - *China's defense budget* was *$296 billion* in *2024*, much lower than *US* (*SIPRI*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *Which defense systems did India deploy at Siliguri Corridor?* A. Patriot missiles and F-16s *B. Rafale jets and S-400 systems* C. Apache helicopters and Iron Dome D. Mirage jets and Akash missiles ### 2. *Who is Bangladesh's interim leader mentioned in the article?* A. Sheikh Hasina *B. Dr. Muhammad Yunus* C. Khaleda Zia D. Tarique Rahman ### 3. *When did Sheikh Hasina fall from power according to the article?* A. June 2024 B. July 2024 *C. August 2024* D. September 2024 ### 4. *What is the width of the Siliguri Corridor?* A. 15km B. 20km *C. 22km* D. 25km ### 5. *Which river project was moved from India to China?* A. Ganges River project B. Brahmaputra River project *C. Teesta River project* D. Padma River project # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Posturing* (دکھاوا) – Adopting a particular stance for effect 2. *Deterring* (روکنا) – Preventing or discouraging action 3. *Ascendant* (عروج پر) – Rising in power or influence 4. *Ammunition* (گولہ بارود) – Military weapons and supplies 5. *Condoned* (برداشت کرنا) – Accepted or allowed to continue 6. *Genocide* (نسل کشی) – Deliberate killing of a large group 7. *Simulate* (نقل کرنا) – Imitate or reproduce conditions 8. *Deflecting* (موڑنا) – Turning aside or diverting 9. *Interim* (عبوری) – Temporary or provisional 10. *Reshape* (دوبارہ شکل دینا) – Change the form or structure 11. *Crossroads* (چوراہا) – A junction or critical point 12. *Tactical* (حکمت عملی) – Related to specific military operations 13. *Misadventure* (غلط قدم) – A reckless or unsuccessful venture 14. *Landlocked* (خشکی میں گھرا) – Surrounded entirely by land 15. *Clout* (اثر و رسوخ) – Influence or power 16. *Proximity* (قربت) – Nearness in space or relationship 17. *Rehabilitate* (بحالی) – Restore to former condition 18. *Axis* (محور) – Alliance or partnership 19. *Intimidation* (دھمکی) – Frightening to influence behavior 20. *Demonise* (شیطان بنانا) – Portray as evil or threatening 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *tribune.com.pk* *Indo US posturing on China via Bangladesh* *Imtiaz Gul* *7–9 minutes* . the writer heads the independent centre for research and security studies islamabad he is currently a visiting research fellow at fudan university shanghai The writer heads the independent Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad. He is currently a visiting Research Fellow at Fudan University, Shanghai print-news Listen to article A Zee News report on May 29 suggests the intentions of Indian and US security establishments in the coming months. It also points to the possible deterioration of Sino-Indian relations and a spike in regional tensions due to the emergence of a so-called "Bangladesh-Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran -China strategic axis". India deployed Rafale fighter jets and the Russian-made S-400 air defence system at the Siliguri Corridor, a strategically important stretch, due to threats from Dhaka, according to Zee News. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30 emphasised "the real and imminent threat China poses". He said Beijing is "credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific" and that the US is reorienting toward deterring aggression by communist China. Both developments are centred around China. Let's examine the US posturing towards China. The US establishment focuses on the "ascendent China challenge", projecting military build-up and war-games as aggressive Chinese posturing. However, history contradicts this. Has China ever invaded another country or used deadly ammunition on foreign territories? Has it occupied an alien country like the US did in Afghanistan, Iraq or Libya? Has Beijing ever quietly endorsed or condoned a genocide, like Israel's repression against Palestinians? Beijing got back Hong Kong after a century of negotiations with the British and is following the same approach for Taiwan, which it considers part of One China. For President Xi Jinping, reuniting Taiwan with the mainland is a mission his generation is committed to achieving. Raising alarm over war drills, a legitimate right of sovereign nations, contradicts US-NATO war games, including in the South China Sea. The latest example was the largest joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines in April, involving 17,000 troops to simulate war with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Why would China's marine patrols and exercises be questioned without supporting evidence? After challenging Pakistan and losing multiple aircraft on May 7, New Delhi is now deflecting criticism by bullying Bangladesh in indirect messaging to China. A Zee News report as well as a backgrounder by The New Indian Express reflect the Indian establishment's current focus on Beijing and Dhaka. It noted that the interim government in Dhaka is reportedly leaning toward China and Pakistan, which could reshape India's strategic balance in the east. The report also detailed the reinforcement of the 22km Siliguri Corridor, India's only land link to its northeastern states, which sits at the crossroads of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and China. The Siliguri Corridor in West Bengal connects India's mainland to its northeastern states, known as the Seven Sisters. Any disruption in this narrow strip between Nepal and Bangladesh would sever India's northeastern states from the rest of India. The deployment of the S-400 air defence system and a Rafale squadron at Hashimara Airbase is more than just tactical positioning; it's a strategic warning. India's military posturing at the Siliguri Corridor is a show of strength and a declaration that any misadventure from the north (China) or east (Bangladesh) will be met with full force," highlights The New Indian Express report. India's overreaction began after Bangladesh's interim leader Dr Muhammad Yunus referred to India's northeast as landlocked during his China visit in March. New Delhi promptly restricted certain Bangladeshi exports through its entry points, exempting Nepal and Bhutan though, signaling that undermining India's strategic autonomy in the region has economic and political consequences. The Indian sensitivity primarily stems from Sheikh Hasina's rise to power in August 2024, which diminished India's clout gained over the past two decades. The growing Dhaka-Beijing proximity causes anxiety in New Delhi, especially after the Yunus administration moved the $1 billion Teesta River project to China and decided to revive the 1931 Lalmonirhat airbase .This airbase is near the Siliguri Corridor, which China has also promised to rehabilitate. The Hegseth speech and Indian defence reinforcement at the Siliguri Corridor are both directed at China. Even though the US and India may disagree over tariffs, China will likely force both into a convenient embrace after the recent strategic shift in the region. Both countries may use the feared China-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka-Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran axis as a justification for attacking China and undermining its interests. However, this may hurt the combined interests of India and the US more than China's, which has built a vast community across Africa and Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) rather than intimidation and military interventions. What we need in these times of turbulence across the globe, and the disruption that an aggressive Donald Trump has caused, is intensified mutually beneficial cooperation instead of artificially drummed-up threats to unjustifiably demonise target countries.