IR

UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

GEOPOLITICS
IR-203
CHINA'S INVOLVEMENT IN SOUTH ASIA

Prepared for:

Helal Uddin Ahmmed

Assistant Professor
Department of International Relations
University of Chittagong
Prepared by:

Mahfujul Hassan
ID: 15406095
Session: 2014-15
Submit Due Date:
21st JULY 2016

China
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the world's most
populous state. It consists of 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four
municipalities, two mostly self-governing special administrative regions (Hong
Kong and Macau). It also claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
China is the world's second largest state by land area covering approximately 9.6
million square kilometers. China's landscape is vast and diverse. The Himalaya,
Karakoram, Pamir and Tian Shan mountain separated China from south and central
Asia.
China is a country with variety of culture as a result of mixing with ancient
civilizations. China's political system was based on monarchies known as dynasties
for millennia. The Qin dynasty first formed the Chinese empire by conquering some
of the regions from when the empire has expanded, flourished.
The Republic of China (ROC) began to rule Chinese empire after the last dynasty
from 1912. It ruled the Chinese mainland till 1949. But they were defeated in the
Chinese Civil War to The communist party. On October 1, 1949, The Communist
Party of China established The Peoples Republic of China. The ROC government
was relocated in Taiwan. Though both The PRC and the ROC claims to be the
legitimate government of all China.
Political Geography
The People's Republic of China is the second-largest country in the world by land
area after Russia. China's total area is generally stated as being approximately
9,600,000 km2.
China has the longest combined land border in the world. China shares border with
14 nations, more than any other country except Russia. China goes through much of
East Asia, bordering Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) in Southeast Asia;
India, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan in South Asia; Afghanistan, Tajikistan,
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in Central Asia; and Russia, Mongolia, and North Korea
in Inner Asia and Northeast Asia. Besides, China also shares maritime boundaries
with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Landscape and Climate

China's landscape varies significantly on its width. In the east, there are extensive
and densely populated alluvial plains on the shores of the Yellow Sea and the East
China Sea. Broad grasslands predominate on the Inner Mongolian plateau in the
north. Southern China is dominated by hills and low mountain ranges. To the west
sit major mountain ranges, most notably the Himalayas.
The world's highest point as well as Chinas highest peak, Mount Everest lies on the
Sino Nepalese border. The country's lowest point is the dried lake bed of Ayding
Lake in the Turpan Depression which is 154 meter down from the sea level.
The climate of China varies from region to region because of the countrys highly
complex topography. The climate is mainly based on dry season and wet monsoons.
Northern winds coming from high latitude areas in the winter season are cold and
dry. But in the summer, southern winds from coastal areas at lower latitudes are
warm and moist.
Politics
In China's constitution, it is stated that The People's Republic of China "is a socialist
state under the people's democratic dictatorship led by the working class and based
on the alliance of workers and peasants," and that the state organs "apply the
principle of democratic centralism."
The PRC is one of the world's few remaining socialist states based on communism.
The Chinese government is stated as communist and socialist as well as authoritarian
and corporatist. The government of China has applied heavy restrictions in many
areas, most notably against free access to the Internet, freedom of the press, freedom
of assembly, the right to have children, free formation of social organizations and
freedom of religion.
Foreign Relations
The PRC has diplomatic relations with 171 countries and maintains embassies in
162. There is a dispute about The PRC and the ROC, thus China is the largest country
with fewer recognition. Much of current Chinese foreign policy is reportedly based
on the concept of "harmony without uniformity", which encourages diplomatic
relations between states despite ideological differences

In 1971, The PRC replaced the Republic of China in the United Nations. It is still a
permanent member of the Security Council. It is also in the Non-Alliance
Movement(NAM) and thinks it to be the advocate of developing countries. China is
a member of the BRICS group of emerging major economies along with Brazil,
Russia, India and South Africa.
Emerging Superpower Status
China is regularly cited as a potential new superpower for its rapid economic
progress, growing military might, very large population, and increasing international
influence. It is often thought by many scholars that it will play a prominent global
role in the 21st century. However, many also warns that economic bubbles and
demographic imbalances could slow or even halt China's growth as the century
progresses. Some others also question the definition of superpower as China dont
have the military power or cultural influence over the world like United States has.

Chinas policy towards South Asia

Evolution of China s Policy towards South Asia
Inception: From the beginning, Chinas policy towards South Asia was based on a
sincere desire of constructive relationship for peace and stability in the region. In
early 1950s, the policy was based on the belief that newly independent nations of
the region freed from colonial rule could have been some sort of semi allies sharing
common interests.
Sino-Indian War of 1962: The peaceful coexistence between China and India was
severely challenged when the border dispute resulted in a war in 1962. In the war,
both USA and Russia was on the side of India. This situation made China rethink
about its policy towards South Asia. Thats why China developed her relation with
Pakistan and Pakistan emerged as a constant factor for China in South Asia
The Cold War Era: For the recent years, Chinas policy in South Asia was shaped
by the Sino-Soviet equation of the Cold War era. China adopted the policy which
can be signified as single-dimensional and limited. Thus China developed trade
and economic relation with South Asian countries for mutual benefits.

Sino-Soviet and Sino-Indian Rapprochement: Around 1985, just before the end
of the Cold War, USSR reviewed her policy with China disengaging from SinoIndian disputes. India also developed relation with China sensing the isolation.
Post-Cold War Era: At the end of the Cold War, China developed her relation with
South Asian states. China tried to create space for political influence and enhance
trade ties with the region especially India.

Current Engagement of China in South Asia

Strategic National Interests and Current South Asian Policy: To ensure
sustainable economic development and modernizations, China is now following a
peaceful policy towards the South Asian states. Chinas balanced and
multidimensional policy is now following the following objectives:
a. Ensure regional peace and stability through diplomatic influence and balance of
power.
b. Avoid confrontations by reserving own disputes and taking neutral position on
regional disputes.
c. Engage regional countries through friendly relations, multidimensional
cooperation and economic ties.
d. Secure sea lanes of communications in Indian Ocean to ensure uninterrupted
supply of energy.
e. Support US led anti-terrorism campaign without getting involved to any kind of
disputes.
Bilateral Relations with South Asian Nations: Over the decades, China has
engaged in the region increasingly. Chinas engagement in the region has also
opened new opportunity for the region as well. Chinas common relations with South
Asian states are:
a. Sino-India Relations: Since 1988, just before the end of the Cold War, SinoIndian relation has developed significantly. On the common ground of emerging
economies, both the country has strengthened trade and political relation.
Nevertheless, various security and strategic variables like unresolved border

disputes, Tibetan Government in Exile and Chinas influence in Indias neighboring

countries continue to haunt their relations.
b. Sino-Pakistan Relations: Chinas strategic relationship with Pakistan outweighs
any other bilateral relationship that China maintains in South Asia. Co-operation in
defense sector, nuclear power plants, mega projects etc. are well known illustration
of their relations. China is always supporting Pakistan on the dispute of Kashmir.
c. Sino-Bangladesh Relations: Early relation of China and Bangladesh was cold as
China vetoed at the United Nations Security Council to block Bangladesh's
accession to the United Nations. But in 1975, China recognized Bangladesh as a
sovereign country and thus the relation improved. Nowadays China is one of the top
development allies of Bangladesh. Trade with China reached a record level as a
result of AFTA.
d. Relations with Other South Asian States: China enjoys bilateral relations with
south Asian states like Srilanka, Nepal, Bhutan etc. It always helps the countries to
develop their state. It also provided help aid for war raged Afghanistan too.
e. Emphasis on Peace and Stability: Chinas present political and diplomatic
efforts in the region remain focused on easing tensions and maintaining peaceful
periphery to ensure environment conducive to her sustained economic development.

Chinas Interests Towards South Asia:

China has many reason to make development in the relationship with south Asian
countries. The main interest of China to make good relationship with south Asia is
to control the region. Thats why Chinas interest towards south Asia is remarkable.
Political interest: China, for many issues, has influence over political condition of
south Asian countries. It emphasizes on various bilateral, regional and international
issues. China engaged with south Asian governments in dialogue and cooperation
on substantive issues of mutual concern. These issues are narcotics, traffic,
smuggling and terrorism. China wants all south Asian countries to be on their side
on the matter of Tibet and Taiwan issues.

Economical interest:
Chinas one of the interests in economic interest in South Asia. Since 2003, in South
Asia, Chinas economic involvement has grown notably from 2003 to 2011, Chinas
trade volume to South Asian 5 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Srilanka) grew roughly. But these South Asian courtiers exports in china increased
only slightly, for large infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan and
Sri-Lanka, China has proposed hundreds millions of dollars in investment.
China has border disputes with India. The two countries are natural competitors for
influence and resources in South Asia. China has challenge to India. The two
countries have not the economic independence of the two nations. China has a desire
to project power in the region that could motivate Chinas strengthening of economic
ties with these countries surrounding India.
China has increased her economic activity in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal
and Sri-Lanka. China also has increased tread flows and Outward Direct Investment
(ODI) these countries. There are the Chinas normal economic interests that increase
influence and other the balance of power in the region.

Chinas Impact On Conflict and Fragility in South Asia

Chinas influence across South Asia is increasing as it deepens political relationships
and economic engagement with the regions smaller states.
The primary factor shaping Chinas engagement across South Asia is its rivalry with
India, which is a significant driver of fragility within South Asias smaller states.
Tensions between China and India have heightened in recent years. Each country is
expanding its political, security and economic engagement in the others traditional
spheres of influence and building up its military presence along their common
border.
The nature of Chinese engagement in South Asia is primarily economic, as a major
financer and investor. This role is generally viewed with suspicion by Western
donors, who see it as undermining their own normative agendas. However, China
can provide much larger resources than any traditional donor and is more likely to
maintain economic engagement in South Asia over the long term.

China wants to present itself as a responsible global power promoting peace, security
and development. There is growing recognition in Beijing that China must become
more involved in international security. This is reflected in Chinas increased
engagement in UN peacekeeping, contribution to the UN peacebuilding fund.
Western actors must seek to strengthen Chinas diplomatic engagement on peace
and security through the UN, as well as draw China into other multilateral responses
to conflict, including through donor forums, international financial institutions and
regional groupings. Promoting Chinas full engagement in a multilateral
peacebuilding agenda will be a slow and difficult process, but it is a necessary one.
Chinas Security role in South Asia: China has played the security role in South
Asia. Chinas security interest in South Asia is the stability of the region. To
maintain regional security, China has taken many actions. China has many
infrastructure projects in South Asia. Chinas engagement with Indias neighbors in
the region is established for at least two reasons.
1. China considers India threat to its controlling power.
2. China wants to be the superpower in this region as well as in the world.

Non-traditional Security cooperation

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief: China contributes humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief in South Asia. South Asia is a disaster prone region and
the region faces many natural calamities such as earthquake, tsunami etc. At this
situation, China helps this region by supplying disaster relief and humanitarian
assistance.
Environmental security: Climate change is an issue of converging interest between
China and South Asia. Climate change is a serious for both China and South Asia.
So, cooperation in tackling climate change is the security interest between china and
South Asia. For environmental conservation, sustain livelihood China has taken
many effective steps.

Traditional Security cooperation

Counter terrorism: Islamic state is a terrorist organization which has openly
declared its territorial ambition towards China and threaten Chinas oil investment

South Asia also face a common names- IS. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, they
forming a part of the Khorasan the tussle between Al-Qaeda and IS for influence is
also establishing. As India and Pakistan could not agree on specific issues, South
Asias counter terrorism cooperation has failed. China has been improving
multilateral cooperation in counter terrorism operations in South Asia.
China and India: Contention and Cooperation Between Giant Neighbors
A Contested Borderland
The India-China border stretches across the snowy side of the Himalayas. After the
colonial rule of Britain over the lands of south Asia they left behind a lot of disputes
with borders. For decade, this arbitrary are causing bilateral tensions between India
and other surrounding countries particularly China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. This
are the bone of contention in south Asia nowadays.
Hang Together or Hang Separately
As China and India seek a balance between cooperation and contention in South
Asia, their respective positions in the region are complicated by their varied crossborder linkages with the other neighboring countries, as well as their competition for
exerting a greater influence on these countries. Though they are challenge to each
other, they cannot trade or make influence without the help of others. So as a result
both of them have to remain ally in a long run.

Challenges for Chinas Policy Towards South Asia

Paradoxes of Sino-Indian Relations: Foundation of Sino-Indian relations lies in
strategic question whether or not any of them should accept hegemony of the other.
The mistrust still lies in mutual fear of the regional domination by the other.
Regional Security Calculus and Chinas Role in South Asia
Indias hegemonic designs and attitude towards its neighbors since independence are
the fundamental reasons for these concerns. South Asian states have always resented
Indian domineering attitude and hegemonic ambitions. Traditionally China is
regarded in the region as a stabilizing factor for the smaller countries. However,
many still argue that with balanced approach towards regional conflicts, Chinese

involvement in the region is becoming increasingly economics oriented rather than

balancing and stabilizing.
Indian Military Designs and Armed Forces Modernization: Indian policy makers
believe that China is the real long-term challenge on the strategic horizon. Chinas
naval strategy to secure her sea lanes of communications in Indian Ocean is viewed
by Indians as challenge to their great power pretentions. The Indian armed forces are
undergoing rapid modernization with heavy investments in areas like missile defense
system and a nuclear triad. For last many years India is in first five countries of the
world in terms of GDP percentage of defense expenditure.
USAs Interests in the Region and Indo-US Nexus: USAs South Asia policy
principally hinges upon competing interests with China as a potential contestant to
its global hegemony, combating terrorism, non-proliferation, tapping large
consumers market and assured access to riches of Gulf, Central Asia and Caspian
Sea resources. In this backdrop, USA finds a natural ally in India. USAs strategic
partnership with India is an effort to build her as counterweight to China in Asia.

Challenges Confronting the Region

Under Development and Poverty: Unfortunately, South Asia is one of the most
underdeveloped and poorest regions of the world because of bad governance and
political instability.
Extremism and Terrorism: Expanding terrorism in South Asia is detrimental to
Chinas national interests as well in many ways ranging from challenges to her
economic interests; to transcending of menace across its borders to restive areas of
Xinjiang and Tibet.
Energy Shortages: Energy shortages are the common issue facing both China and
South Asia. Though many South Asian countries have adequate potential to produce
electricity from their own untapped hydro or mineral resources; shortage of funds
keeps them away from developing these resources to meet their energy demands.
Marginalized Regionalism: In contemporary world, when regionalism is a
buzzword for common development and regional stability, SAARC, primarily due
to Indo-Pak confrontation on the question of Kashmir, remains marginalized at the
periphery of emerging Asian resurgence.

Balance of Trade: The countries in South Asia are mostly depends on agriculture
which makes them depended on other regions for Industrial products. It makes a
serious effect on the balance of trade.

Opportunities
Though Chinas balanced and multidimensional policy towards South Asia seems to
be working well so far, emerging challenges and US interests in the region are
perceived to put it under stress in medium to long term timeframe, affecting her
economic objectives as well.
Balancing and Stabilizing the Regional Security Environment: It is in Chinas
interest to continue pursuing the objective of peace and stability in the region through
balance of power and conflicts resolution.
Promoting Regionalism: Chinas entry into the SAARC is likely to reinvigorate
the forum and enhance regionalism in South Asia.
Integrating Smaller Regional States in Economic Development: To enhance long
term economic interdependence, South Asian states may be integrated in Chinas
economic development.
Regional Anti-Terrorism Cooperation: It is prudent that regional countries as well
as regional neighbors like China should get involved more constructively and
comprehensively to eliminate the menace.
Helping South Asian States to Meet their Energy Needs: China may significantly
help South Asian countries to meet their increasing energy needs by sharing
renewable energies technology like wind and solar power etc.
Promoting Soft Power Image: Enhanced interaction between universities, thinktanks, academic institutions, mass media, and film and television industries is also
likely to help China to occupy cognitive space in the region, mitigating the effects
of negative propaganda of western media.
Conclusion: India and China both are rising super power in South Asia. So both of
them wants to control the continent on their own way. But to control the region, both
of them are still depended on each other. Chinas policy towards South Asia though
having some challenges is to establish a superpower status and make control over

the countries. But India is also trying to establish as a superpower, so it would not
be so easy for China.

References:
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.com)
Foreign Policy (www.foreignpolicy.com)
Chinas Strategy Toward South and Central Asia - An Empty Fortress by
Andrew Scobell, Ely Ratner, Michael Beckley
ASEAN, Chinas Rise and Geopolitical Stability in Asia by Fenna Egberink,
Frans-Paul van der Putten
China and South Asia: Contention and Cooperation Between Giant
Neighbours | The European Financial Review By Xiangming Chen, Pallavi
Banerjee
Chinas Economic Diplomacy towards South Asia by Syed Waqas Haider
Bukhari, Prof. Dr. Naudir Bakht
Chinas impact on conflict and fragility in South Asia by Clare Castillejo
Chinas Policy Towards South Asia An Appraisal by Brig Gen Khalid
Saleem
South Asia and China Towards Inter-Regional Cooperation Edited by
Upendra Gautam