China's Western Horizon

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This book explores how China's foreign policy initiatives, particularly the "Belt and Road," are influenced by local and regional politics beyond its borders, examining the implications for Eurasia and the United States. It illustrates how President Xi Jinping's administration is transforming China's wealth and economic power into instruments of global political influence, focusing on developments in South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Through extensive interviews, travels, and historical research, it highlights the diverse perceptions of China in countries like Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran. While some powerful groups in Eurasia anticipate benefits from their ties to China, others harbor concerns about potential losses. Additionally, leaders across the region are striving to leverage China's energy purchases, arms sales, and infrastructure investments to outmaneuver rivals such as India and Saudi Arabia while managing relations with Russia and the U.S. The book concludes that China's growing involvement will likely favor regional strongmen and heighten political tensions within and among Eurasian states. To enhance its limited influence in the region, the book advocates for a selective, localized strategy for U.S. policymakers to effectively compete with China in the long term.