ABSTRACT
China, the world’s fastest-growing economy has strongly projected its “forthcoming super power” image in the world. It got observer status in SAARC in 2005. By increasing investments in almost all SAARC member countries and promoting friendly bilateral relations with them, China wants to get involved in South Asian trading rather than having a dependency on the Western world market. The desire of becoming a maritime power and reestablishing the Maritime Silk Route for economic as well as Security purposes are other reasons behind China’s interest in SAARC. This article analyzes the bilateral relations of SAARC member countries with China and focuses on China’s strategy behind its huge investment in the South Asian region. It makes an attempt to find out whether China should get permanent status in SAARC or not. India’s apprehensions about China’s closeness to SAARC countries is also explored.
