[Nontraditional security issues such as food security, water scarcity, energy shortfalls and environmental degradation are the common challenges shared by China on one hand and members of SAARC on the other. Although noticeable progress has been made in poverty alleviation, on the back of fast paced economic growth, a sizeable chunk of population in China and majority in South Asia continue to face the consequences of these unconventional security threats. Therefore, these are areas where China and SAARC can enhance cooperation, as joining hands in these spheres will be less sensitive and conforming with existing SAARC Charter.]
Bauer et al., "The World Bank's New Poverty Data."
Jiali, "China India Stoke energy bond".
Babel, "Freshwater Under Threat: South Asia."
Desai, "The Political Economy of Regional Cooperation in South Asia."