China's Strategy Toward South and Central Asia: An Empty Fortress

Andrew Scobell ; Ely Ratner ; Michael Beckley

RAND Corporation

RAND Corporation

关键词: International Diplomacy;    Global Security;    China;    International Economic Relations;    Central Asia;    United States;    Afghanistan;    Pakistan;   

DOI  :  10.7249/RR525
ISBN  :  9780833085429
RP-ID  :  RR-525-AF

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: RAND Corporation Published Research

【 摘 要 】

This study analyzes what is driving China's Central Asia and Afghanistan-Pakistan policies, identifies China's overarching strategy, examines the extent of Chinese activities in the region, and assesses their implications for the United States. The authors contend that China's response to the complex challenges on its western borders during the past two decades has been to adopt an "Empty Fortress" strategy, whereby China boldly projects an image of considerable strength in Central and South Asia to mask serious frailty. They conclude that China is not a major threat to U.S. interests in Central Asia, Afghanistan, or Pakistan and is unlikely to pose one in the near future.