Introduction

In the geopolitical context of South Asia, a composite understanding of China vis-à-vis South Asia is a must. First, one must attempt at knowing China as it is, for in the millennia that have gone by, China has changed but little of its resolute attachment to its own interests. It has made little concession to the interests of other nations, unless such a concession itself is in its interest. Second, we must explore the geopolitical interests of countries in South Asia, with a little historical perspective. This would be essential since none of the countries in their present form, except perhaps Bhutan, existed through two or three millennia that China has existed. The purpose, therefore, would be to define these nascent nations’ geopolitical interest vis-a-vis that of China. When such a common ground is obtained, it would serve as the foundation for developing a pan China–South Asia vision.