Chapter 3 China and the World
CHAPTER 3 CHINA AND THE WORLD SECTION 1: CHINA AND SOUTH ASIA Introduction Although China’s assertiveness in Southeast Asia—particularly when it comes to the South China Sea—tends to dominate discourse about China’s growing global ambitions, China has also been active in cultivating infl uence among South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). This section surveys China’s economic, diplomatic, and se- curity engagement with South Asia. In addition to discussing Chi- na’s overarching objectives in the region, it profi les China’s relation- ships with South Asia’s two largest countries: India and Pakistan. It concludes with an examination of how China’s South Asia policies impact the United States, which also has signifi cant and evolving interests in the region. This section draws from the Commission’s March 2016 hearing on China-South Asia relations; its June 2016 fact-fi nding trip to China (Beijing and Kunming) and India (New Delhi and Mumbai); consultations with experts on Chinese and South Asian economics, foreign policy, and security affairs; and open source research and analysis. China’s Objectives in South Asia China has not publicly articulated a formal South Asia “strategy,” although Beijing’s key objectives and interests in the region can be observed in its activities in and diplomacy toward these countries. The key interests, concerns, and objectives of China’s South Asia strategy fall into four broad categories: (1) checking India’s rise by exploiting the India-Pakistan rivalry, (2) expanding economic activ- ity and infl uence in the region, (3) enhancing access to the Indian Ocean, and (4) countering terrorism and religious extremism (often at the expense of religious freedom and other human rights).
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