China's Relations with its Neighbours

Abstract

It is a measure of China's vastness and its geographic dominance of east Asia that it shares land borders with 14 countries and maritime boundaries with several others. This article doesn't attempt to examine China's relations with all of its neighbours. Instead, it offers some preliminary observations about patterns and trends in its regional strategy and tactics, with an emphasis on those areas where we differ with the conventional wisdom on these subjects. Citing Chinese actions and statements, too often ignored, this article argues that that we must assess Chinese regional strategy and tactics with much more wariness and skepticism. Indeed, given a Chinese strategic culture that emphasizes secrecy, deception, and surprise, there is really no alternative.This article draws on our current ongoing research project that assesses China's dealings with its continental neighbours as well as on more general research on China's "grand strategy" and on its ever-evolving tactics in pursuit of its strategic goals.