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There is a lot of information and data on the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in China's official media, but information concerning the cadres who govern the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and some key aspects of China's policies on Tibet is very scanty. When available, the information is piecemeal and scattered and, therefore, denied to most except those who make determined efforts. This book is an initial attempt to make pertinent information on Tibet readily available to an interested reader. The emphasis is on presenting biographical sketches of the relatively more important cadres to enable the analyst and reader to form an impression about the individual, his future career prospects and possibly his affiliations. The book briefly discusses the Aid Tibet Programme. The programme's importance lies in the fact that it has ensured the exposure of many CCP cadres across China to the conditions in Tibet and had an important influence in their career paths. Consequently, over the years it has built a cohort of CCP cadres with a stake in the CCP and Central Government's policies on Tibet.

The book examines how since his appointment to China's three top posts – simultaneously for the first time in 30 years – Xi Jinping has deftly used ideology and nationalism to accumulate power and ensure the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s legitimacy and monopoly on power. Xi Jinping has imposed progressively stricter domestic measures leading to the steady hardening and inflexibility of the Chinese state. It looks at the reforms in the Party, Government and Military and the unprecedentedly sustained and bruising drive against corruption in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In the process, Xi Jinping has eliminated political rivals and whittled down opposition to the most extensive and far reaching reforms the PLA has witnessed in its 90 years. Developments related to Tibet are especially analysed. The book analyses China's ‘One Belt, One Road'– now called the ‘Belt and Road Initiative'– and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiatives, intended to alter its strategic environment and expand power and influence well beyond its borders and up to Europe. It concludes that China will squeeze the strategic space of its neighbours. China's rise and bid to establish itself as the dominant power in the Indo-Pacific, however, will not be uncontested. India, Japan and the USA's response will be important.

This book seeks to afford an objective, incisive insight into China. Written by a veteran Indian analyst with over 25 years of experience monitoring developments relating to contemporary China, it is an attempt to inform and promote understanding of China's policies and actions and, especially, the implications for India. The 32 essays that comprise the book present a comprehensive tour de horizon of present-day China ranging across a variety of subjects. Each of the aspects touched upon have direct relevance for the international community and particularly for India and the Asia-Pacific region. The first section deals exclusively with China's currently evolving internal political situation. The outline sketches of China's two top leaders suggest their personalities influence Beijing's policies and that China's domestic and foreign policies will undoubtedly bear their imprimatur. Other articles examine the equally important and rapidly evolving political scenario in China, especially concerning the selection of cadres to the Chinese Communist Party's highest echelons. The absence of veteran leaders of pre-eminence and unquestioned authority has accentuated competition within the Chinese Communist Party and indicators of potential discord, like the political upheaval involving ex-Politburo member Bo Xilai, have been identified. The book notes the attempt by China's leadership to rearrange national economic developmental priorities to remain competitive in a changing international environment and includes a debate centering on the Yuan rivaling the US dollar. Two articles assess the implications of China's maritime ambitions and Cyber strategy, both of which are centerpieces of China's military strategy. Other articles discuss in some detail the India-China relationship, China's relations with some of India's neighbours, and Sino-US relations -- described by Beijing as China's single, most important relationship. A subject usually less focused upon though of vital strategic importance to India, namely China's strategy regarding Tibetan Buddhists and the Dalai Lama, is scrutinized in the book's concluding section. This includes the developmental activity in Tibet and plans to divert the waters of the Brahmaputra, both of which have a serious potential to impact on India. For the facility of easy reading, this book contains no citations or references.