CIAO DATE: 03/2013
January 2013
Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre
China is expanding its engagement across South Asia, with significant implications for the region’s most fragile states. Western donors and peacebuilding actors are aware of this changing context and concerned about their resulting loss of influence. Yet they have so far failed to develop a coordinated response or to engage effectively with China regarding its impact on fragility within the region. China has interests in and engages with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. China’s growing influence in these countries shapes conflict dynamics and prospects for sustainable peace. Key elements of Chinese policy have particular importance for peace and security in South Asia. These include China’s geostrategic rivalry with India; economic expansion and natural resource requirements; non-interference principles; prioritisation of regime stability; and resistance to multilateral cooperation. There are entry points for international actors to engage with China in order to promote a more constructive non-interference policy and achieve a deeper and longer-term approach to stability, increased conflict sensitivity in investments and greater Chinese involvement in multilateral peace and security initiatives. Perhaps most critically, there are ways in which external actors can best understand and respond to the impact of Sino-Indian geo-strategic competition on South Asia’s fragility.
Resource link: China's impact on conflict and fragility in South Asia [PDF] - 354K