CHINA'S GEOSTRATEGIC INTERESTS AND APPROACHES IN THE SOUTH ASIA REGION

Аннотация

This article analyzes China's geostrategic interests and political approaches in the South Asian region. As South Asia increasingly becomes a key area in global politics and economic relations due to its strategic location, large population, and economic potential, China is making the region a growing priority within the framework of its broader foreign policy and global ambitions. The article examines China's role in developing trade and investment relations with South Asian countries through economic reforms, with particular attention given to the significance of the "Belt and Road Initiative" in enhancing infrastructure development and regional integration. It discusses the complex aspects of China-India relations, China's strategic partnerships with other countries in the region, and the debates surrounding "debt-trap" diplomacy. The article also explores China's expanding presence in terms of access to the Indian Ocean, military cooperation, and regional security, as well as efforts to secure energy and natural resources, its rivalry with the US Indo-Pacific strategy, and China's long-term geostrategic objectives. Keywords: China's foreign policy, South Asian countries, geostrategic interests, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), String of Pearls strategy, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM), the United States of America, Indo-Pacific Strategy, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), regional security, infrastructure diplomacy, energy security, geoeconomic approach, strategic partnership. INTRODUCTION: South Asia is a region of significant geopolitical and economic importance in global politics due to its strategic location, large population and rich resources. As a crossroads of maritime and land trade routes, it has become an arena of competition between major powers, especially global powers. In recent decades, China's geostrategic interests in South Asia have increased sharply. This is due to its desire to gain economic dominance, energy resources and regional influence, as well as to counter rival powers. This article analyzes China's multifaceted approaches to the region and considers the impact of these approaches on the political, economic and security environment of South Asia. The relevance of the study is that it sheds light on China's emergence as a global superpower and its strategic actions in South Asia. The roleof this region is especially important within theframework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Through diplomatic relations, economic investments and military cooperation, China has deepened its influence. The article discusses key issues such as China's control over strategic ports, its need for energy and resources, and its "debt trap" diplomacy, which has sparked http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 247 Volume 15Issue 07, July 2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 debates about economic dependence. It also analyzes China's competition with the US Indo- Pacificstrategy and its long-term goals to change regional dynamics. RESEARCH METHODS: This scientific article combines qualitative and analytical research approaches. The main goal is to identify China's geostrategic interests in South Asia, analyze the political and economic approaches implemented on the basis of these interests, and explain the dynamics of relations with countries in the region. During the writing of the scientific article, scientific books and articles by political scientists, analytical documents of research centers were widely used. DISCUSSION: South Asia's geopolitical importance is due to its proximity to the important sea lanes through theIndian Ocean that provideglobal trade and energy flows. The region ishometo over 1.9 billion people, a large part of the world's population. India, located in the region, stands out as an emerging economic power. Economically, South Asia is experiencing steady growth. According to the World Bank's 2024 forecast, India's GDP is expected to exceed US$3 trillion, making it one ofthe fastest growing economies in the world 1. The region's proximity toconflict- prone areas of the Middle East and its role as a "buffer zone" between major powers make it an important place in global security dynamics. Politically, South Asia is a region of states with diverse systems of governance. While India has chosen the path of democracy, Pakistan has a mixed political system, and the remaining small states have diverse political structures. The rivalry between India and Pakistan over their nuclear capabilities and unresolved territorial disputes (Kashmir issue) further complicate the region's place in global politics. The integration of South Asian countries into global institutions such as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and their expanding ties with major external powers are increasing the di