This paper is aimed at two interrelated objectives. Firstly, it explores the shaping of India’s perception and misperception of China using the asymmetry theory. Secondly, it relates these insights...Show moreThis paper is aimed at two interrelated objectives. Firstly, it explores the shaping of India’s perception and misperception of China using the asymmetry theory. Secondly, it relates these insights to India’s behavior towards China-led developmentalism, the Belt & Road initiative, showing that India’s reluctance to be part of China’s initiative is rooted in mistrust, misinterpretations of information, and a lack of information. Ever since the deterioration of the Sino-Indian relationship due to the border war, India has established a deep-rooted distrust of China, which affects how new information regarding China is evaluated. It is therefore likely that misperceptions emerge. The asymmetric relationship between China and India amplifies the misinterpretation of information due to the vast difference in attention span. Further reasons for the emerging of misperceptions can be seen in historical memory and a lack of day-to-day interaction.Show less
