China's Rise and Geopolitical Transformation in South Asia: Options for Regional States

Abstract

The changing regional and global dynamics have increased South Asia’s strategic significance for China. Historically, its importance was due to China’s domestic security imperatives but over the years, other considerations also factored in the policy. China’s bilateral relations with each state have been different while keeping in view their domestic political structures, conflict with regional rivals and the patterns of alignments. Despite India’s opposition, the states have been willing to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that presents huge economic opportunities to these states. Moreover, regional states except India consider China’s increasing influence in South Asian region as a stabilizing factor. India perceives China’s presence in South Asian region as a challenge to its regional dominance and has been resisting it at regional level and extending partnerships beyond region.