Moonis Ahmar
Dr Moonis Ahmar is a former Meritorious Professor of International Relations and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Karachi Pakistan, with 36 years of teaching/research experience. Presently he is working on a book project, The Challenges of Cultural Enlightenment, Conflict and Peace in Pakistan.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: conflict, cooperation, global warming, SAARC, SCO, CPEC, regional cooperation
Abstract
The debate and discourse of admitting the Peoples Republic of
China (PRC) as a full member of the South Asian Association of
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is not a new phenomenon but
for the last decade, it is argued by one school of thought led by
Pakistan that to ensure symmetry in South Asia, given a sharp
power imbalance in the region and to transform SAARC as a
viable regional organization, it is essential to admit China as a
full member of SAARC. If the geography, demography, and
resources of South Asia are analysed, more than two-thirds
belong to India. Hence, India is considered the core of South
Asia but China has borders with all South Asian countries
except Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. India has around
70 per cent of the population, territory, and resources of South
Asia. Therefore, by default occupies a dominant position. There
is no other region in the world like South Asia where one
country occupies an enormous space and has a history of
discord and armed conflicts with its neighbours. This paper
examines the case of China’s admission in SAARC as a full
member and the impediments in this regard.
First Published
June 25, 2020
How to Cite
Moonis Ahmar, “China as a Member of SAARC: Obstacles and Implications,” Regional Studies 38, no.2 (Summer 2020): 3-23, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/china-as-a-member-of-saarc-obstacles-and-implications/
Issue
Volume 38, Issue 2