China's Role in South Asia?

     South Asia is a region that holds importance because of its geopolitical and geographical location. Countries located in South Asia are India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. As the recent political dynamics are changing, China is emerging as a huge power in the whole of Asia. It is playing a key role in the South Asian region as it is focused on building strong economic ties worldwide and it includes South Asian Countries as well. Its project "One Belt One Road" holds significant importance as it is connecting China to the world which will contribute to making China a Superpower of the world. 

    If we look at China's relations with South Asian Countries, it has very good bilateral relations with them. China's approach is to have good strategic ties with every country in the region to obtain its National Interests. Despite having hostile relations with India, it does have strong bilateral ties with India. India is also interested to be an important power player in the region as it is also an emerging economy and it is a regional power. Despite their rivalry over land (Ladakh and Tibetan region) and economy, India's largest trading partner is  China.

    Pakistan and China consider each other as "Iron Brothers". both have very good bilateral relations with each other. China and Pakistan are building one of the biggest projects in the region called CPEC(China Pakistan  Economic Corridor). This project is a part of China's "Belt & Road" initiative. It is predicted that this project might help Pakistan's trembling economy as it will open new doors of investment in the country. Under this project, China is building the "Gawadar port" of Balochistan, a network of roads and motorways in the country which connects it to China, and many energy and power projects. CPEC is a project which will provide China direct access to the Arabian Sea and Middle eastern countries through Pakistan's Gawadar port. While many Pakistanis see this as a matter of concern as well.

    China has also been investing in Bangladesh very frequently. Also, other South Asian countries are also having economic and political relations with China.

China's role is very prominent in the region and also its national interests are associated with it. Only time can tell what is coming ahead.