China's Economic Footprint in South and Southeast Asia: A Futuristic Perspective

The labyrinthine BRI projects, aimed at realizing win-win benefits, have created new challenges for the host countries. Economic aspirations must be shielded and protected by security umbrellas, thus making these countries partners of the China-dominated security architecture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Despite Southeast Asian nations being viewed as within the ambit of China's historical sphere of influence, Myanmar and Thailand provide experiences different from their neighbours. This book analyzes China as an economic juggernaut, undergirded by global ambitions, expanding its economic footprint across South and Southeast Asia through trade, technological supremacy and territorial acquisitions. The authors also navigate China's policies at home and abroad, providing a futuristic perspective on China's path to victory. The book provides answers to compelling questions as:Contents: Rise of ChinaThe Chinese Dream and VisionChina in South Asia: History Informs but Geography GovernsChina and Pakistan: 'Iron Brothers'China in Sri Lanka: A Small Island SyndromeChina's Visible Influence in Southeast Asia: People, Polity, and ProwessChina and Myanmar: The 'Pauk-phaw' (Fraternal) RelationshipChina and Thailand: 'Kith and Kin' RelationsChina in South and Southeast Asia: Pursuit vs ProximityChina: A Futuristic PerspectiveReadership: Advanced undergraduates and graduates, researchers and policy makers interested in China's economic development.
BRI;CPEC;Investment;Economic Growth;Environment;China;Sri Lanka;Myanmar;India;Pakistan;Thailand;Colombo Port;Hambantota;Gwadar;Kuaukphyu;Ports;High Speed Rail;Military Power;Economic Engagement;South Asia;South East Asia;Subregional Cooperation;Regional Power;Aid;China's Footprint;Superpower;Economic Reforms;Policy;Institutional;Xi Jinping;Trade;Investment;Globalization;Sectoral Change;GDP;GDP Per Capita;Exchange Rate;Deficit;Debt;Internationalization;Tourism;Boundaries;Trade Agreements;Infrastructure;Super Power;Sovereignty;CMEC;Benefits;Costs;Autonomy;Technology;Digitalization;Contestation;Security Architecture;Kith and Kin;Pauk phaw;Indian Ocean;Malacca Straits;Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC);Dams'This book deals with one of the most timely and delicate issues in the global economy, that is, China's economic relations with its neighboring countries, in particular South and Southeast Asian countries. These countries are the focal countries in China's Belt and Road Initiatives. How China engages with them has important implications for other countries in Northeast Asia, Europe and Oceania, which are muddling through the rising tension between the two superpowers, China and the US. This book is a must read for both academicians and policy practitioners.' — Professor Keun LeeSeoul National University, Korea 'Anyone who is determined to understand Chinese economic activities in South and Southeast Asia and appreciate the embedded political challenges must read this balanced and sophisticated book.' — Shih Chih-yuNational Chair Professor & University Chair, National Taiwan University, ROC
Key Features:
Understanding the rise of China, persona of Xi Jinping and his resemblance to MaoAssessing China's growing economic footprint in four partner BRI countriesComparing China's motivations for engaging in South Asia, with Southeast AsiaComprehensive — focuses on economic and strategic aspectsUpto date, well researched and analytical, with use of data and diagrams to substantiate argumentsPrimary information sourced through interviews of scholars, experts and policymakers in Thailand and Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Pakistan