China and Pakistan, India’s two most powerful neighbours, share an ‘all-weather’ relationship that is as reputed for its depth as it is layered in secrecy. Based on years of research and interviews, Andrew Small has put together the story of China and Pakistan’s growing, and in parts troubled, friendship. The China-Pakistan Axis is essential to understanding the economic, political and security map of Asia, especially India’s neighbourhood. It explains Beijing’s extraordinary support to Pakistan’s nuclear programme and defence planning, their strategic cooperation on India, the United States and Afghanistan, and the implications for counter-terrorism efforts. A special chapter for this Indian edition brings the book up to date on China’s involvement in the Taliban talks.