CHINA’S POLICIES AND STRATEGIC RELATIONS IN SOUTH ASIA: FROM MAO ZEDONG TO XI JINPING

Abstract

This study analyses how geostrategic factors and major power competition influence China's policy and its relations with South Asia. The study reviews era-specific policy variables to understand policy evolution and the nature of the forthcoming Sino-South Asian relations. The findings reveal that national security is the constant core aspect of every policy, and geopolitical interests influence policies. Each era's policy revision is conditioned by national capacity and the pattern of great-power competition. However, regime ideas and leadership have also impacted policy and policy-making. The Mao-era, or simply the first era, policies predominantly focused on security imperatives. The policies of the second era, here, refer to those of Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao, which are concentrated on boosting economic engagement. The new era under Xi Jinping combined elements of both eras, with a compact set of strategic interests, to strengthen its global position. This study argues that new-era policies are more robust and strategic than earlier ones. These policies increase China's influence in South Asia and beyond. The BRI and economic diplomacy are important tools in this process. Yet, the China-US rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and the growing India-US ties will impact future Sino-South Asia relations. The study concludes by briefly summarising the factors and motivations influencing Chinese policy towards South Asia, as well as the dynamics of their relations over the years. This comprehensive analysis may assist international relations researchers and policymakers in understanding China's policy orientations towards the region more broadly.