India’s strategy of leveraging the U.S.-China rivalry to its advantage was viewed as a challenge by both countries. By cooperating, the U.S. and China aimed to neutralize India’s influence and secure their positions in Bangladesh, ensuring that India could not use the geopolitical rivalry to its benefit.

New Delhi (ABC Live): China and the U.S. found common ground in Bangladesh due to shifting geopolitical dynamics and mutual interests in countering India's influence. Here are some key reasons behind their unexpected cooperation:

1. Geopolitical Shifts: With Sheikh Hasina's unexpected political moves, including her denial of a U.S. military base and frustrations over unfulfilled Chinese commitments, both the U.S. and China saw an opportunity to realign their strategies. Hasina's statements and actions created a new context in which U.S. and Chinese interests overlapped.

2. Strategic Realignment: The U.S. and China realized that they could benefit from a cooperative stance in Bangladesh to counterbalance India's regional dominance. India's strategic manoeuvres, leveraging the rivalry between the U.S. and China, were seen as a threat by both superpowers, prompting them to seek a united front to regain leverage.

3. Economic and Strategic Interests: Both countries have significant economic and strategic interests in Bangladesh. For the U.S., maintaining a foothold in South Asia is crucial for regional stability and security. For China, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents a key strategy to expand its influence through infrastructure investments. The shifting political landscape provided a shared interest in stabilizing Bangladesh in a way that would protect its respective investments and strategic goals.

4. Influence of Sheikh Hasina’s Departure: With Sheikh Hasina’s political departure, the U.S. and China saw a chance to reassess their approaches. Her exit removed a key figure who had previously managed to balance the influence of both superpowers, leading to a situation where a cooperative stance between the U.S. and China could help stabilize the country and ensure their interests are safeguarded.

5. Counteracting India's Strategy: India’s strategy of leveraging the U.S.-China rivalry to its advantage was viewed as a challenge by both countries. By cooperating, the U.S. and China aimed to neutralize India’s influence and secure their positions in Bangladesh, ensuring that India could not use the geopolitical rivalry to its benefit.

Overall, the cooperation between the U.S. and China in Bangladesh is a strategic response to the evolving political landscape and a shared interest in countering India's regional influence.