ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews and discusses Chinese responses to the Indian nuclear tests and seeks to address three sets of issues: the consequences of India's nuclear tests for international arms control and nonproliferation, South Asian security, Sino-Indian relations; India's rise as a major power and the challenges this poses for China; Chinese analyses of how to manage the post Pokhran-II Sino-Indian relationship, given both the interests they share and the disputes that remain. The immediate assessments of the consequences of the May 1998 nuclear tests aside, Chinese analyses turned to other developments that seriously affect Sino-Indian relations and regional security. Chinese analysts also point to major powers' noticeable policy adjustments toward South Asia. The United States has clearly recognized the growing importance of India given the latter's potential as a major political player and an emerging market, its crucial role in South Asia's stability, and its potential as a counterforce against China.
