China's economic footprint in South and Southeast Asia : a futuristic perspective : case studies of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand

"This book analyzes China as an economic juggernaut, undergirded by aspirations and ambitions, through the lens of its vision and how it is envisioned. China's quest for enhancing its economic footprint across South and Southeast Asia through increasing trade, achieving technological supremacy, and making territorial acquisitions is relentless. The BRI initiatives, aimed at realizing win-win economic benefits, have created new challenges for the host countries more often than not. Economic aspirations must be shielded and protected by security umbrellas, thus making these countries partners of the China-dominated security architecture in South and Southeast Asia. Nowhere is this more evident than in the countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan in South Asia. Despite Southeast Asian nations being viewed as within the ambit of China's historical sphere of influence, Myanmar and Thailand provide experiences different from their neighbours. The authors also navigate China's policies at home and abroad, providing a futuristic perspective on China's path to victory. The book provides answers to compelling questions as: How have strengthened economic relations of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand with China impacted their economies? Are the BRI projects and the debt burden they entail sustainable in the future, especially as economies are battered due to the pandemic? Could these countries afford to rethink their economic relations with China, given that there is a potential wariness of China's growing economic footprint and possession of their key resources? Could there be any roadblocks to China's emergence as the leading power in the Asia-Pacific region and globally? What will be the fallout for global geopolitics?"