Chinese penetration in south Asia: between the geostrategic gains and the security dilemma

Abstract

The South Asia region is considered as the territorial strategic depth of China, which is characterized by a volatile security environment, especially with the presence of the two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. The study aims to analyze the Chinese strategy for penetration in the region, and how to reconcile between regional rise and security threats. The problematic is related by the ability of china to penetrate and achieve its geostrategic gains in south Asia, under the security dilemma. To answer it, we use the analytical method that helps to analyze the capabilities of Chinese material and moral power. The study concluded that china focuses on the pragmatic dimension in its interactions with south Asian countries from during the belt and road project, and seeks to geostrategic balance with the American India axis