China’s Silent Takeover? South and West Asia’s New Power Game From building roads in Pakistan to mining in Afghanistan and striking deals with Iran, China is rapidly expanding its influence across South and West Asia. But one major regional player—India—is not on board. In this in-depth explainer, I unpack how China is reshaping the geopolitical landscape through infrastructure, military cooperation, and diplomacy. What does this mean for regional balance? Can India push back? Or are we witnessing a new Cold War take root across Asia?