China’s remarkable ascent, marked by significant achievements along with deep anxieties and its quest to reclaim its ‘rightful role’ as the leading nation of the world, stands as the most consequential geopolitical development of the past forty years. Decoding China: Hard Perspectives from India explores this phenomenon through an Indian lens. Featuring insights from twenty-one prominent diplomats, military officials and scholars who have closely observed the ‘rejuvenation of the Chinese nation’ under Xi Jinping, the book provides rigorous, evidence-based and accessible evaluations of China’s internal and external dynamics, and India–China relations.
The essays are organised into four sections: decoding China – the big picture; decoding China’s strategic ambitions; decoding China’s domestic preoccupations; and decoding China’s military universe. The book aims to unravel the strategic challenge posed by China to India (and others), particularly in the context of the simultaneous ‘re-emergence’ of the world’s two most populous countries, who coexist uneasily navigating their own distinct narratives, aspirations and concerns. This book promises to be a valuable resource for experts and general readers alike.
