A tale of two regions

In late December 2024, North-South University (NSU) became a hub for scholars, policymakers, experts, and students gathered under the banner—”China-South Asia Civilization and Connectivity: History and Contemporary Issues”— an international conference to weave together the threads of history, diplomacy, and shared aspirations. NSU’s South Asian Institute for Policy and Governance, in collaboration with Yunnan University, orchestrated this grand dialogue. The conference unfolded as a tapestry of stories—of past struggles and future visions—centred on China’s evolving role in South Asia.
From Rivalries to Roads of Prosperity: Once adversaries in political chess, China and South Asia now explore the highways of economic collaboration. A transformative shift from geopolitical tensions to geo-economic synergy resonated throughout the conference. Speakers envisioned a region where skill development, trade corridors, and modern infrastructure would replace historical divisions, paving avenues of shared progress for nations big and small. However, participants highlighted the need for more equitable trade policies and transparency in infrastructure investments to ensure sustainable partnerships. They noted that unresolved border disputes and imbalances in trade relations remain significant barriers. Economic collaboration was framed as a path to harness shared resources while mitigating regional conflicts.
The Unseen Threads of Cultural Diplomacy: Like a fabric, every society is strengthened by its cultural threads. The storytellers of the conference extolled the virtues of Track II diplomacy—a dance of ideas and connections beyond official corridors. They painted scenes of students exchanging knowledge and artists bridging divides, proposing that cultural and educational exchanges become the sinews binding China and South Asia more closely. However, gaps in language accessibility and the limited reach of cultural programs continue to hinder broader engagement. In addition, unequal access to resources and political sensitivities can limit the full potential of cultural diplomacy efforts. Participants emphasized how cultural diplomacy fosters empathy and reduces historical animosities.
The Struggle of Identity in a Post-Colonial World: In the shadows of colonial legacies, South Asia’s nations continue to wrestle with their dual selves—traditional values and modern governance. With poignant reflections, speakers illuminated how these forces clash and converge, shaping the governance of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Identity, they argued, is both anchor and sail in a sea of global change, where balancing historical pride and future ambitions remains an intricate dance. Still, they warned that rising nationalism and religious divides could destabilize the quest for a cohesive identity. The influence of external ideological forces and globalized cultural pressures further complicates this delicate balance.
A Tale of Two Giants - China and India: The story of China and India unfolded as one of rivalry and reliance. The paradox of economic interdependence amid political contestation became a central motif. India’s strategic embrace of institutions like the AIIB contrasted with its wary distance from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a narrative of partnership tempered by caution. Despite economic ties, participants highlighted mutual distrust and security tensions as persistent shadows. The discussions revealed a fragile equilibrium where competition and cooperation coexist. The potential of AI to bridge these gaps and foster confidence-building measures was a source of hope and optimism.
Smaller Nations, Greater Stakes: In a tale of giants, the smaller nations often play the role of astute navigators. Conference discussions brought to life the delicate dance of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—nations caught in the crosscurrents of China-India competition. Calls for transparency, fairness, and a focus on people’s well-being echoed as guiding principles for their future. However, the risk of over-reliance on one power at the expense of strategic independence remains a core concern. Speakers also noted the vulnerability of these nations to shifting global economic conditions and the challenge of maintaining balanced foreign relations. These nations seek strategies that prioritize sovereignty while fostering regional partnerships.
The Transformative Power of the Belt and Road: As tales of trade routes and connectivity unfolded, the Belt and Road Initiative emerged as both an opportunity and a cautionary tale. From Pakistan’s educational partnerships to valuable lessons learned from delayed infrastructure projects, the discussions warned of history’s errors while embracing the promise of collaborative planning. The BRI’s integration with educational initiatives underscored the broader vision of human-centric development, fostering innovation and local capacity building while emphasizing sustainable practices to ensure long-term benefits for participating nations and communities.
Energy Dreams and Sustainable Realities: Underneath flickering streetlights and along rivers coursing through Bangladesh, energy security remains a tale of unfulfilled potential. Delegates wove narratives of Pakistan’s power shortages and Bangladesh’s clean energy aspirations into a broader call for governance that aligns ambition with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborative efforts to transition toward renewable resources and improved regional energy policies were proposed. Participants emphasized the importance of shared technological advancements and investments in infrastructure to bolster energy efficiency, which could ultimately drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and improve lives across South Asia.
Ethics and Security-The Balancing Act: Stories of terrorism and safeguarding investments interwoven with visions of ethical governance. Speakers spun threads of trust-building frameworks, crafting a vision where economic development walks hand-in-hand with regional stability. They offered a moral compass for securing prosperity while preserving peace. Multilateral approaches to terrorism prevention emerged as essential strategies, emphasizing collaboration among nations. These efforts aim to create a resilient socioeconomic environment that mitigates conflict and promotes lasting security for future generations by fostering dialogue, exchanging best practices, and aligning interests.
Media’s Power-Mirrors and Lenses: If stories shape a society’s soul, then the media is a mirror and lens. The conference illuminated how nationalistic narratives distort, while collaborative journalism can mend fractures between China and India. Balanced storytelling emerged as the hero in the quest for mutual understanding. Participants advocated for cross-border media partnerships to bridge perception gaps, emphasizing the importance of shared narratives that promote empathy and context. By fostering open dialogues, these partnerships can dismantle stereotypes and foster a culture of respect, ultimately leading to greater social cohesion and peace.
The Indo-Pacific Chessboard: Tales of excellent power rivalry echoed against shifting tides in the Bay of Bengal. The Indo-Pacific became a contested theatre of influence where US-China and US-India strategies play out. Yet, China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) stood as a plot twist—a framework for cooperation where forced migration and climate challenges seek redress. Speakers noted the strategic leverage this initiative could offer, emphasizing its potential to reshape regional alliances. The GDI may enhance China’s influence by fostering infrastructure development and economic partnerships while providing much-needed support to vulnerable nations.
A Friendship Carved by Waves: Bangladesh’s story with China involves evolving trust and shared ambitions. The partnership is at the heart of South Asia’s interconnected future, from economic governance models to transformative infrastructure. The conference brought to life the promise of these ties in shaping regional integration. Greater institutional collaboration and people-to-people contact were recommended to deepen this relationship. Leveraging technology and innovation will play a critical role in addressing mutual challenges, enhancing economic resilience, and fostering sustainable development, paving the way for long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.
AI-The Oracle of Modern Diplomacy: Artificial intelligence promises predictive prowess and security fortification like a modern oracle. Yet ethical quandaries and privacy concerns cloud its full realization. The storytellers of Dhaka urged caution and common ground as they contemplated AI’s potential. Governance frameworks and shared ethical standards were highlighted as key to responsible innovation. Collaborative efforts among governments, technologists, and communities are essential to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks. They emphasized the importance of accountability, inclusivity, and transparency in developing algorithms that reflect diverse perspectives and uphold societal values.
Soft Power Battles: Students, business leaders, and media professionals’ perceptions of China emerged as a mosaic of admiration and critique. While investments in infrastructure garnered praise, scepticism lingered over the Rohingya crisis. Emotional perception—a tapestry of trust, hope, and concern—became the lens through which China’s soft power influence could grow, provided it embraces transparency and empathy. Participants called for deeper cultural exchanges, greater economic and academic partnerships, and media collaborations to enhance mutual trust.
Ancient Remedies and New Frontiers: Tales of traditional medicine intertwined with modern diplomacy. The Indian Medical Mission’s historical journey to China found new relevance, a reminder that human connection often lies at the heart of geopolitical strategy. This fusion of ancient knowledge and international cooperation was framed as a path to holistic development.
Conclusion: Conferences like this serve as vital platforms for fostering dialogue, bridging historical divides, and envisioning cooperative futures. They deepen bilateral understanding and mutual respect by engaging in open discussions and exploring nuanced perspectives. This conference strengthened ties between Bangladesh and China by illuminating shared economic and cultural goals while addressing human rights and sustainable development concerns. Through collaborative academic inquiry and policy dialogues, it has laid the groundwork for more robust partnerships that balance national interests with regional prosperity. As the stories and insights of the Dhaka conference come to rest on parchment, they tell a grander narrative of civilization, connectivity, and shared futures. If woven with care, these threads may one day form a fabric of lasting harmony, linking China and South Asia in a shared journey toward progress and peace.

Simon Mohsin is a political and international affairs analyst. [email protected]