Takshashila Discussion SlideDoc - Assessing China's Engagement in the Indian Subcontinent

Executive Summary

This Slidedoc presents a strategic framework that provides insights into China’s behaviour and highlights various alternative policies that China may consider for engagement in the Indian Subcontinent. An underlying assumption is that China is modeled as a rational actor in this framework.

What is China’s strategy in the Indian subcontinent?

China’s growing footprint in the Indian subcontinent is one arc of an overarching strategy to expand its global presence and influence. This study unpacks the underlying drivers of China’s policy in the region and examines the enabling and constraining factors. Based on these, it identifies a repertoire of ongoing measures and long-term policy approaches that China can and is employing.China's ongoing measures of engagement in the subcontinent include:

1. Control over resource streams

2. Display of aggressive intent by Chinese armed forces

3. Control over flows of people and ideas

4. Denial/Provision of support at international fora

China's long term approaches to expand its presence and influence include:

1. Investing in multi-purpose projects

2. Interfering in domestic affairs of other states

3. Providing strategic support to non-democratic regimes

4. Expanding hard power reach

Authors