The Indo-Pacific region, encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans and surrounding nations, has become the central arena of global power competition. Since 2006–07, it has drawn attention for its strategic maritime routes, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. The United States and China are the primary actors, with India, Japan, South Korea, and other regional powers playing key roles. The US views China’s growing military and technological influence as a major concern and launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021 to ensure regional stability and open trade routes.

The region accounts for over half of the world’s population, two-thirds of global economic growth, and 60 percent of global GDP. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, aims to expand its influence through infrastructure and trade connectivity. In response, the US has strengthened alliances such as the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia. Bangladesh, strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, released its own Indo-Pacific Outlook in 2023, emphasizing peace, economic development, and open maritime trade.

Analysts view the US-China rivalry as a long-term contest for dominance that could shape future global geopolitics and economic balance.