Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has said he will clearly convey to both the current and future governments of Bangladesh the potential risks of engaging too closely with China. Speaking to journalists in Dhaka six days after assuming office, Christensen reiterated concerns he had raised during his Senate confirmation hearing in October. He emphasized that certain areas of cooperation with China could pose risks, which he intends to outline to both the interim and elected governments.

During a media interaction at the EMK Center in Dhaka, Christensen discussed various aspects of US-Bangladesh relations, highlighting strong and expanding defense cooperation. He noted that the US works with all branches of Bangladesh’s armed forces through joint exercises such as “Tiger Shark” with the Navy and “Tiger Lightning” with the Army. The US provides about $1.5 million annually for professional military education and supports Bangladesh’s defense modernization and peacekeeping capabilities.

Christensen added that the US offers multiple defense options to partner nations and collaborates with allies to identify systems best suited to Bangladesh’s operational and budgetary needs.