| dc.description.abstract | The paper critics the existing theoretical
framework of regional security complex of South Asia
based on the primary research question: in what ways has
the Chinese presence in South Asia reinforced or reiterated
the major security concerns: bilateral relations of small
states with India, Indian security concerns, maritime
security, state sovereignty, issues created by debt
diplomacy that affects the South Asian regional security
complex? The regional security complex understands
China as an external power which penetrates the regional
security complex of South Asia based on the rivalry of India
and Pakistan. However, the Chinese involvement in South
Asia, particularly with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has
changed these relationships. In this context, the paper
argues China can be understood as an internal member of
the complex, based on the criteria for categorising internal
members. Therefore, the paper brings the case study of BRI
and the selection of the case study method to conduct the
research has constructed a broader scope to consider BRI
and its development projects in South Asia and its effects
over the security architecture of South Asia in terms of debt
diplomacy and the influence of China on bilateral relations
of India vis-à-vis small states of South Asia. In conclusion,
the paper remarks that China is no longer penetrating the
regional security complex based on power rivalry of IndoPakistan, but China is playing a pivotal role in the South
Asian context by maintaining strong security
interdependency with the members of the security
complex while defining the complex. | |
