Xi Jinping’s “Neighborhood Diplomacy” since 2018 is a response to Donald Trump and a recalibration of how to move toward Sinocentrism in light of difficulties with BRI and past policies toward regional great and middle powers. Varied approaches have been taken to US allies and members of the aspirational Quad. To Japan, an about-face has been attempted of personal summitry and cooperation on BRI and other economic matters. To South Korea, there has been some relaxation of the harsh response to THAAD deployment mixed with increased pressure, especially on security matters. To Australia, strong discontent has been aired with no immediate prospects of a breakthrough for China. Finally, there is India, to which China has shifted course most abruptly, as it appears to have some hope, but this is mixed with warnings. As China grows emboldened with its ability to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and India is rocked by the accelerating devastation, China’s strategy toward India may grow more assertive.

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