China is a South Asian country, sharing borders with 14 countries including India. Its significance lies in its rise in the region and hegemonic influence over smaller countries through loans and the Belt and Road Initiative. China and India have fought a major war in the 60s and have disputes over the Aksai Chin and LAC, and tensions over the Indo-Pacific.
We are now dealing with a qualitatively new dragon. It sees itself – with not too much exaggeration – as being in the league of the United States. It is no longer willing to concede India preeminence even in South Asia. Feeling bad or becoming adventurist are not optimal responses. We must continue to reduce the asymmetry through sustained economic growth and base our responses on a cold, objective assessment of capabilities.