Samaha Kazmi
, March 24, 2023

5+ Splendid Countries Near China

China, the largest country in Asia and a land of mesmerizing landscapes and a teeming population, is surrounded by a motley crew of nations, affectionately dubbed “countries near China.”

These countries, both landlocked and coastal, are the lifeblood of China’s economy, politics, and strategic interests. Without them, China’s global influence would be significantly reduced, and the world would be a different place.

Therefore, grasping the intricacies of China’s relationships with its neighbors is fundamental for predicting the trajectory of global politics and economics. This article aims to unravel the significance of the countries near China and shed light on their impact on the Chinese arena and the world at large.

Countries Near China

If you take a look at the different directions on the map, here’s what you’ll see:

To the east of China lies the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, facing the Yellow Sea. Across these glittering waters, you’ll find some of the most dynamic and modern countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Each of these nations boasts a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, providing a stark contrast to the bustling cities and cutting-edge technology found in China’s eastern provinces.

As you venture westward, you’ll encounter the rugged and untamed mountains of Central Asia, including Tibet and the mighty Himalayas. Here, you’ll discover a land of staggering beauty and spiritual significance, with ancient temples and monasteries clinging to the hillsides and snow-capped peaks piercing the sky. Further west, you’ll find a vast expanse of deserts and grasslands, where nomadic cultures and ancient trade routes have thrived for centuries. Across these lands lie countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, each with its own unique history and culture.

To the north of the People’s Republic of China lies the vast and largely untamed wilderness of Siberia, stretching all the way to the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll find a land of endless forests, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains, home to some of the world’s hardest and most resilient people. To the east of Siberia lies the vast expanse of Mongolia, where nomadic cultures and a deep spiritual tradition have endured for thousands of years. Go further to the southeast, and you’ll find North Korea, a secretive and isolated nation with a rich and complex history.

Finally, to the south of China lies a vast and diverse region encompassing several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar/Burma, and Thailand. Here, you’ll find a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, with each country offering its own unique flavor and perspective. The South China Sea also borders southern China; it’s a vital waterway that is home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes and a rich array of marine life. Across these waters lie the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia, each with its own unique cultures and traditions.

Bordering Countries

China shares land borders with 14 neighboring countries, each with its unique history and relationship with China. From Russia to Kazakhstan, let’s explore the diverse range of countries that share a border with the world’s most populous country.

Russia, China’s largest northern neighbor, has a long history of both cooperation and conflict with China. The two countries are currently strengthening economic and strategic ties.
Mongolia shares a border with China, and it has close cultural ties with the country, but they also have a history of conflict. Today, Mongolia seeks to balance its relationship with China with its desire to expand its relations with other countries.
North Korea, China’s ally, shares a long border with China. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and provides significant economic and diplomatic support.
Vietnam has a long history of conflict and rivalry with China, but they now maintain a mostly cooperative relationship. However, recent tensions have arisen over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Laos is a small country with a long history of political and economic ties with China. China is Laos’s largest investor and provider of aid.
Myanmar has a complex relationship with China, involving both cooperation and conflict. Tensions have arisen over China’s support for Myanmar’s military junta and involvement in infrastructure projects.
Bhutan, a small country with no formal diplomatic relations with China, has a long-standing border dispute with China. The two countries have engaged in occasional talks to resolve the issue.
Nepal has a growing economic and strategic relationship with China, but it also maintains close ties with India, leading to occasional tensions between the two countries.
India, China’s largest southern neighbor, has a history of border disputes and geopolitical rivalry with China. Tensions have risen in recent years, particularly over border clashes in the Himalayas.
Pakistan, China’s ally, shares a long border with China. The two countries have strong military and economic ties and cooperate on a range of issues, including counterterrorism.
Afghanistan has a complex relationship with China, involving both cooperation and conflict. China has sought to play a role in the peace process in Afghanistan and has invested in infrastructure projects there.
Tajikistan, a small country, has a growing economic relationship with China, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and mining.
Kyrgyzstan has a significant ethnic minority population in China’s Xinjiang region, and the two countries have cooperated on issues related to security and economic development.
Kazakhstan, China’s largest neighbor to the northwest, has a long history of economic and strategic ties with China. The two countries have cooperated on a range of issues, including energy, transportation, and trade.

While China maintains relationships of varying degrees with all of these countries, tensions and issues have arisen between China and some of its neighbors over issues such as territorial disputes, economic competition, and geopolitical rivalries. These countries’ complex relationships with China continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Nearby Countries

Mainland China is a colossal nation that boasts a rich history and ancient culture, stretching back thousands of years. Bordered by fourteen countries, Chinese cultural influence and impact extend beyond its borders to numerous nearby countries that don’t share land boundaries. These countries are crucial for China’s political, strategic, and economic aspirations.

Here’s a look at some of the nearby countries that China has relationships with:

Japan, the land of the rising sun, is not just a significant economic but also a political ally of China. Despite having a complicated history with territorial disputes, the two countries’ relationship has been growing in recent years.
South Korea is another major player in China’s economic relationships, and their close ties have been steadily growing. However, political tensions occasionally arise due to South Korea’s alliance with the United States and China’s support for North Korea.
Taiwan, a self-governed democracy that China claims as its territory, is another country with complex ties with China, as it considers Taiwan a renegade province. Economic relations between the two countries have been on the rise despite their political tensions.
Vietnam, with its own long-standing territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea, has a complicated history with the Middle Kingdom. Despite their historical struggles, China and Vietnam have been building strong economic ties.
The Philippines is another country that has a territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea. Nevertheless, the economic relationship between the two countries has been growing in recent years, even though political tensions still exist.

China’s relationships with nearby countries are multifaceted and dynamic, with economic and political ties interwoven with historical tensions and territorial disputes. As China continues to rise in global prominence, its relationships with these nearby countries will undoubtedly continue to evolve, with significant implications for the region and the world.

Wrapping Up

Now that we’ve covered the neighboring countries of China, you can start learning this beautiful language. Download Ling from the Play Store or App Store right now and start learning Chinese.