BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

CHINA-SOUTH ASIA COOPERATION: CSOS IN PERSPECTIVE

Author: Md. Muhibbur Rahman

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2013v34n3a5

ABSTRACT

The growing regional dynamics between China and South Asia suggest enormous untapped potentials for regional cooperation in diverse sectors in the coming years. In this cooperation process, not only states but also several non-state actors including civil society organisations (CSOs), private business initiatives and many other fronts are increasingly getting involved. Being independent but complementary organs of the government, CSOs are playing and can further play active role in promoting people-to-people contact and cultural cooperation. These organisations are also facilitating formal cooperation by building bridges, networks and trust among regional countries. The paper broadly aims to explore the potential for stronger CSO level initiatives in the China-South Asia regional cooperation process in areas primarily energy, regional connectivity, trade and commerce, peaceful resolution of disputes and so on. The findings of the paper suggest that CSOs are playing substantive role in the emerging regional governance paradigm. In the case of China-South Asia, CSOs’ role is yet to be cultivated in its full potential. In the coming decades, CSOs participation in China-South Asia cooperation will be vital for creating trust, networks and constructive policies nationally and regionally.