Assignment

On
Chinas Involvement in South Asia

University of Chittagong
Submitted to:
Helal Uddin Ahmmed
Assistant Professor
Department of International Relations
University of Chittagong

Submitted by:
Name: Joya Shil
ID: 15406092
Session: 2014-15

Course No: 203

Course Title: Geopolitics

South Asia:
South Asia is a region that comprises 7 countries India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri-Lanka. It is also known as Indian subcontinent. It has more than none billion inhabitants.
Mountains and Plateaus: The south Asian peninsula is surrounded by the
Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The Himalayas are
the part of South Asia. The worlds tallest peak is known as MT. Everest lies in
the Himalayas heart and the Hindu Kush situates at the west end of the
Himalayas. The Deccan plateau lies in the south.
Rivers, deltas: Between the Deccan plateau and the northern mountain, the
Indo-Genetic plain lies. This region is formed by three great river systems - The
Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. These rivers originate from the
Himalayas.
Natural resources: South Asia rich in various types of natural resources. In
South Asia, many types of timber and forests products are found. Such as Sal,
Teak, Pine, Fir and softwood trees are found here.
South Asia have various kinds of mineral resources. It is rich in coal, iron and
manganese. Therefore, mica, beautiful sapphires, rubies, chromium, gypsum
bauxite and copper are also found here.
Climate: South Asia is a diversifying region. It has mainly 6 climate zones. As
South Asia is often affected by monsoon, its climate varies. The rainfall is very
important for South Asia. But sometimes, it causes flood.

China:
Chinas geographical location has given China a great physical diversity. The
countrys east and south part are included in fertile lowlands and foothills. On
the other hand, the west and north of the country are included by Sunken basins
and rolling plateaus. The area of China is about 9,60,000km2.

Physical Geography: The topography of China has been divided into five
homogenous physical regions.

Eastern China:
Northeast Plain: The northeast plain stretches north from the crown of the
Chinese rooster. The most Chinese live here rather than the rest of the area of
China.
North Plain: North China Plain extends to the training mountains form the
western side. It is the most heavily populated regions of China.
Xinyang-Mongolia: The vast term Basis of Xinxiang is the northeast of the
Tibetan plateau.
High Lands: About 11 tallest mountain peaks are situated on Chinas western
borders. The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest plateau in the world.
Rivers: China has 50,000 rivers. The total length of the rivers of China is about
4,20,000 kilometers. Most of the rivers flow rest to the east.
Wild Life: China locates in the worlds major Eco zones. Many important
mammals such as horse, camel, jerboa, are found here. Therefore, leopard cat,
bamboo rat, tree shrew is found in China.

Chinas policy towards South Asia:

Because of having power potential and friendly relations with most South Asian
states, China has developing/developed influence in regional geopolitics.

Evolution of Chinas Policy towards South Asia

Inception: From the beginning, Chinas Policy towards South Asia was
constructive relationship for peace and stability in the region. However, in 1950,
Chinas Policy was the liberty of South Asian states from Colonial rule.
Sino-Indian war of 1962: In 1962, a war occurred between china and India
about the border dispute. At that time, American and Soviets were an Indian
side. As a result, China reviewed her policy towards South Asia by developing
relationship with Pakistan. Since then, Pakistan has risen as a content factor for
China.
The Cold war era: At that time, Chinas Policy towards South Asia could be
described as Single dimensional and limited security. Chinas policy was
about economic development and reforms. So, China started improving trade
and economic relationship with South Asian countries.
Post cold war era: Following the end of cold war, China redefined her policy
towards South Asia. That time, she wanted to create space for political influence
in South Asia and increase trade ties with the region specially India.
Current engagement of China in South Asia:
1. Strategic national interests and current South Asian policy: South Asia,
Chinas national interest remains peaceful conditions and unobstructed
economic activities. Now-a-days China is following a balanced and multidimensional policy towards South Asia states are:
a) Establish regional peace and ensure stability by diplomatic influence and
balance of power.
b) Avoid compromise by taking neutral position on regional disputes.
c) Connect regional countries through economic ties and friendly relations.
d) Secure sea lanes of communication. (In Indian Ocean)

2. Bilateral relations with South Asian nations:

a)
b)

c)

d)

Chinas strategic engagement in South Asian is increasing. Chinas bilateral

relations with South Asia states are:
Sino-India relations: Since 1988, Sino-Indian relations have developed
significantly. In economic ground, they have strengthened trade ties.
Sino-Pakistan relations: Chinas strategic relationship with Pakistan is more
close than any other relationship in South Asia. Co-operation in defense
sector, nuclear power plants, mega projects etc are well known illustration of
their relations. On diplomatic from china always support the Pakistan about
on the issue of Kashmir.
Relations with other South Asian states: China maintains good bilateral,
economic and military relations with Bangladesh, Nepal and Srilanka. In
Afghanistan, China has contributed for various developments.
Emphasis on peace and Stability: Chinas present policy towards South
Asian is to ensure peace and sustain economic development.

Chinas interests towards South Asia:

China has particular interests towards South Asia. Chinas political and
economic interests are states.
Political interest: China has political interest to/in South Asia. Politically China
and South Asia emphasis on various bilateral, regional and international issues.
China wants to engage South Asian governments. in dialogue and cooperation
on substantive issues of mutual concern. These issues are narcotics, traffic,
smuggling and terrorism. China wants to deal with Tibetan presence and
activities in various South Asian countries. China has interest to stabilize the
Karzai govt. in Afghanistan.
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, Sri-lanka) 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 Security role in South Asia:

China has played the security role in South Asia. Chinas security interest in
South Asia regional stability. To maintain regional security, China has many
taken actions. China has many infrastructure projects in South Asia. Chinas
engagement of Indias neighbors in the region is established for at least two
reasons.
1. India itself is warming up to China.
2. China too is altering its relationship with Pakistan and regional stability.
Non-traditional Security cooperation: Humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief: China contributes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (hard) 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.
Indian attitude towards Chinas good relation with South Asia: India and
China both are rising super power in South Asia. So both of them wants to
control the continent on their own way. So India would not permit China to
have good relations with South Asia.