THE RISE OF CHINA AND GEOPOLITICAL RECONFIGURATION IN SOUTH ASIA: REGIONAL STATES AT THE CROSSROADS
Keywords:
bilateral relations of China, South AsianAbstract
The changing regional and global dynamics have increased South Asia’s strategic significance for China. The bilateral relations of China have evolved differently with each regional state while prioritizing the state’s strategic relevance, domestic politics, and pattern of conflict and cooperation. Except for India, all South Asian countries consider China a stabilizing factor and have readily joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for economic benefits. India perceives China’s active involvement as a threat to its hegemony and uses a carrot and stick policy against its suzerainty, and continues to strengthen its bilateral relations with the US. This research work highlights the growing influence of China in South Asia and the opportunities it offers to the regional states. Lastly, it also discusses the dilemmas that some South Asian states face vis-à-vis maintaining a balanced relationship with India and China.
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