Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, recently undertook a significant visit to a Teesta River project area in Rangpur, Bangladesh, located notably close to India's strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, often termed the 'Chicken's Neck'. This narrow strip of land, approximately 20-22 km wide at its narrowest, serves as the sole terrestrial link connecting mainland India to its eight northeastern states, making it a critical choke point for national security and logistics. The ambassador's visit on Monday, January 19, 2026, was framed as a technical assessment for the China-backed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Bangladesh's Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, accompanied the Chinese envoy, confirming China's eagerness to commence the Teesta Master Plan (TMP) as soon as the verification process is complete. This development unfolds amidst increasingly strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, particularly under Muhammad Yunus's interim administration. Yunus's previous controversial remarks, where he described India's Northeast as 'landlocked' and positioned Bangladesh as its 'only guardian of the ocean,' have fueled anti-India sentiment and raised New Delhi's concerns about Dhaka's growing alignment with Beijing. India-Bangladesh talks regarding Teesta water sharing have remained stalled for decades, primarily due to objections from the West Bengal government, creating an opening for Chinese involvement. India views China's increasing footprint near the 'Chicken's Neck' as a significant strategic risk, prompting heightened vigilance and fortification of its defenses in the region.