The Bay of Bengal occupies the northeastern sector of the vast Indian Ocean and stands out as the

largest body
of water categorized as a bay worldwide. It is surrounded by several Asian nations, with India to the northwest
and west, Myanmar to the east, Bangladesh to the north, Sri Lanka to the southwest, and Indonesia to the
southeast. Basically, when referring to the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal in geographical terms, it is
essentially pinpointing the specific territorial expanse that includes both Myanmar and Bangladesh.In recent
years, China, the largest country in East Asia, has emerged as a new global power in world politics, and China's
strategies in the northeast sector of the Bay of Bengal have aroused significant interest and concern in both
regional and global contexts. China shares its borders with 14 countries, including Myanmar with which it has a
common border of 2129 km. But it does not have a border with Bangladesh, nor does it possess a coastline along
the Bay of Bengal. Although China shares no border with Bangladesh, the distance between two countries is only
about 100 kilometers. On the other hand , Bangladesh and Myanmar have a common border of 271 kilometer.

Myanmar occupies a crucial position at the tri-conjuncture of East Asia, South-east Asia and South Asia, while
Bangladesh serves as a bridge connecting South and Southeast Asia. These strategic locations have garnered
significant attention from China, amplifying their geostrategic importance. China's recent shift in focus towards
the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, a region that includes a population of 224 million, denotes a lucrative
market for Chinese products. With countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, and China in close proximity, this
area has become a hub for economic cooperation, energy transit, and geopolitical competition. Its coastal cities
and ports are witnessing rapid development, attracting investments, and enhancing connectivity.

By reviewing literature from the fields of history, international relations, and political science, the study
concludes that the majority of contemporary research has focused on Bangladesh-China and Myanmar-China
relations. Additionally, the security and trade potential of the Asia-Pacific Ocean region, the significance of the
Bay of Bengal, and the geostrategic position of Bangladesh have been central themes in much research. In fact,
most researchers prioritize the United States' interests in the Bay of Bengal region, with a particular emphasis on
India. However, the potential of the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal region as a whole, and China's
strategies in relation to this region as a rising global power, have been overlooked. Remarkably, none of the
literature has focused on the nature and extent of China's strategies, a gap that will be addressed by this
research. From this point of view, the research work is unique as it analyzes the key political and economic
strategies of China regarding the northeastern part of the Bay.

China is not only the most significant partner in the development process of Bangladesh but also wields
considerable influence in Myanmar. This study is driven by the aim to gather knowledge about Bangladesh and
Myanmar, perceiving them as a region rich in potential, while simultaneously delving into China's interests
encompassing aspects such as national security, power dynamics, trade, and more. Furthermore, this paper
seeks to elucidate the pivotal roles played by regional and sub-regional organizations as non-state actors,
contributing to enhanced connectivity and heightened regional activity . In essence, this thesis focuses on
comprehensively analyzing China's developmental strategy in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal,
including its geopolitical goals, economic pursuits, security priorities, and potential impact on regional stability.

Methodology of the Study

Research means a systematic investigation to development of knowledge. This study takes a qualitative
approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Secondary data is gathered through content
analysis of existing literature, including books, journals, research papers, newspapers, and scholarly publications,
as primary data sources are limited. Additionally, official documents, statements, websites, and policy papers are
systematically examined. To enhance the depth of understanding, expert interviews were conducted, involving
academicians, government officials, and researchers, purposively selected based on the study's focus and area.
Given the challenges of interviewing Chinese officials, experts in the field were interviewed to extract pertinent
information. These interviews followed a semi-structured questionnaire with open-ended follow-up questions.
Subsequently, collected data were analyzed systematically to gain insights into the study's intricate subject
matter.