US Ambassador-Designate Brent Christensen Vows to Warn Bangladesh of ‘Risks’ in Chinese Deals

US ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has pledged to work closely with the Bangladeshi government and armed forces to make them aware of the “risks” involved in military and infrastructure cooperation with China.

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

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

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

In his written statement, the ambassador-designate noted that Bangladesh — “often overshadowed by its larger neighbours” — deserves more attention from Washington. Having previously served in Dhaka, he said he understood Bangladesh’s strategic importance in a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Calling Bangladesh “at a pivotal point,” Christensen referred to the student-led protests in July–August 2024 that brought an end to the country’s 15-year government and said the next general election would be the most significant 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 administration and its democratically elected successor.

Christensen also underlined Bangladesh’s economic potential, its near graduation from least-developed-country (LDC) status, and promised to prioritize US trade, investment, and economic cooperation if confirmed as ambassador.