US ambassador-designate Brent Christensen pledges to highlight ‘risks’ of Chinese deals to Bangladesh

At a Senate hearing, he says he will engage the Bangladesh government and military to outline the dangers of their deepening defence ties

US ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has said he would work with the Bangladeshi government and armed forces to clarify the “risks” of working with China and its military.

Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Thursday, Christensen responded to a question about China’s refurbishment of a Bangladeshi submarine base and Dhaka’s reported plan to buy up to 20 Chinese J-10 fighter jets.

“I share your concern about Chinese influence across South Asia,” he told senators.

“If confirmed, I would engage with the Bangladeshi government and the military to clearly articulate the risks from Chinese activity, involvement with their military in the maritime domain and in critical infrastructure -- as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits of a closer partnership with the United States, especially between our militaries.”

He added that through US military groups, Washington could also “highlight allied systems that might be more affordable for a country like Bangladesh” and encourage interoperability through joint exercises.

In his written statement, Christensen said Bangladesh, “often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, does not receive the attention it deserves”. Having previously served in Dhaka, he said he understood its strategic importance in a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Saying Bangladesh was “at a pivotal point”, he referred to the student-led protests of July-August 2024 that toppled the 15-year government, and noted that the next election would be the country’s most consequential in decades.

“The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future,” he said, pledging to advance bilateral ties with both the interim government and its democratically elected successor.

Christensen also underscored Bangladesh’s economic potential, its near graduation from least-developed status, and said he would prioritise US business, trade balance reduction, and stronger economic cooperation if confirmed.