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The Indian Factor in Recent Sino-Soviet Relations*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2009

John W. Garver
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Chinese foreign policy is typically a complex mix of bilateral, regional and global considerations shaped by the perceptions and domestic political concerns of various participants in China's decision-making process. One significant factor shaping Chinese foreign policy over the past decade which has not been given adequate attention is Chinese consideration of South Asia, and especially India. India's size, substantial aggregate national power, central geographic position in South Asia, prominent role in the Third World/Non-Aligned Movement, and the determination of its leaders to establish India as the pre-eminent power in South Asia, have given India significant weight in Chinese foreign policy calculations. This includes, I will argue, Beijing's calculations regarding China's relations with the Soviet Union and the United States.

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Research Article
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The China Quarterly , Volume 125 , March 1991, pp. 55 - 85
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Copyright © The China Quarterly 1991

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