Bangladesh plans to acquire two frigates from China in the near future, bringing to 7 the number of such vessels in its fleet. It last bought a frigate in 2001 from South Korea and the prime Minister then ruling Bangladesh was Mrs Sheikh Hasina, who happens to be the incumbent PM now as well. This has been reported in some detail in the Pakistani media recently.

These reports suggest that the purchase of the frigates and other defence matters was discussed between Bangladesh authorities and Mr. Xi Jinping, China's Vice President, who has just concluded a two-day visit to Dhaka. He also met BNP leader Mrs Khaleda Zia and invited her to visit China.

It is not often that Bangladesh has much use for its naval fleet. Back in October 2008, it has sent some ships to prevent Myanmarese vessels from carrying out exploration work in a search for oil or gas in the Bay of Bengal area. Bangladesh contended that Myanmarese ships had intruded into its maritime zone, which was disputed by Myanmar. However, Myanmar authorities stopped their exploration after Bangladesh reacted and the ships were called back. Both Myanmar and India had often disputed Bangladeshi claims with regard to the limits of its maritime territory, just as Bangladesh opposed their claims. .

Since Myanmar and China enjoy the closest possible diplomatic links, China had expressed its concern over these developments and was understood to have played a diplomatic role in defusing tensions. There were occasional misunderstandings between the countries that bordered the hydrocarbon-rich Bay of Bengal, as all countries stepped up their exploration efforts for natural gas.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni had told newsmen that as the country's largest military hardware supplier, closer defence ties would be discussed with the Chinese Vice President along with economic development and co-operation.

The reports suggested that the purchase of Chinese frigates had been finalised during the visit some time ago to China by Bangladesh Prime Minister Mrs Hasina.

On her part, Mrs Zia, too had taken military ties between the two countries forward, by allowing Chinese Air Force authorities special facilities in Bangladesh airports to monitor the takeoff and landing of flights. This has enabled the Chinese to monitor almost instantly all north bound flights taking off from West Bengal or Assam airports and airfields.

These developments show how China has successfully outflanked India first in Myanmar and then closer to India at Bangladesh, in the East.

Observers suggest that an obsession with Kashmir developments in India's foreign Ministry circles over the years had enabled China to forge very effective ties with India's Eastern neighbours and steal a march over its major challenger in Asia. (IPA)