Analyzes the nature processes and political consequences of the asymmetrical relationships between China and its six small neighbors in Asia.In China and Its Small Neighbors Sung Chull Kim examines the political implications of the economic asymmetry between China and its small neighbors part of wider changes in international relations brought about by the rise of China. While being critical of the current trend that focuses on the ChinaU.S. rivalry alone Kim argues that a microanalysis of Chinas advances toward its neighbors is a guide to understanding the trajectory of Chinas expanding influence and transitions in world politics more broadly. Economic asymmetryas seen in trade concentration nontransparency and reliance on bilateral aidhas made Chinas small neighbors vulnerable on the political front thus generating potential threats to their sovereignty and independence. Because China has the upper hand in the bilateral relationships these weak states practice dualcore hedging as a strategy for survival. They hedge on China for expected economic benefits and at the same time hedge against their powerful neighbor to mitigate the risks involved in that hedgingon. Each small states mode of hedging depends on its degree of vulnerability and its availability of policy instruments such as multilateral institutions and bilateral partnerships with extraregional powers.