1962 was a watershed moment in Sino-Indian Relations. Did China’s unilateral ceasefire and withdrawal result from its internal political compulsions? Is China using India to steady its political boat in internal turbulent weather? Did China agree to withdraw from Galwan merely due to India’s offensive posture? How did China go about building its aircraft carriers and how does it use artificial islands and villages to surreptitiously lay claim to sovereignty? How will the cashless trap that China is casting engulf the world? These and many such questions are critically looked at in the essays contained in this book. Stepping aside from the contemporary outlook and adopting a historical and methodical approach, the essays provide perspectives that are critical to understanding the Dragon, its compulsions, aspirations and outreach. Each essay relies on source material that render the analysis and argument substantial value, enabling a comprehensive appreciation of Chinese intent. China has always held the attention of the world historically. In the prevailing geopolitical environment, it continues to occupy scholarly interest across the world on account of its economic performance, outreach through Belt and Road Initiative and its perceived designs for dominance in world affairs. Since becoming Peoples Republic of China (PRC) under Chairman Mao, China generally remained in the periphery of world affairs for some time. However, with the disintegration of USSR and the onset of globalization, it has emerged as a dominant force militarily, economically and politically – a force that the rest of the world apparently cannot live without. Tracing China’s engagements with India and the rest of the world, its internal political compulsions and the means through which it has chartered its course through turbulent world affairs, this book evaluates China’s intentions and strategies to become what it has become today.