The China-Pakistan axis plays a central role in Asia's geopolitics, from India's rise to the prospects for a post-American Afghanistan, from the threat of nuclear terrorism to the continent's new map of mines, ports and pipelines. China is Pakistan's great economic hope and its most trusted military partner. Pakistan lies at the heart of China's geostrategic ambitions, from its take-off as a global naval power to its grand plans for a new silk road connecting the energy fields of the Middle East and the markets of Europe to the mega-cities of East Asia. Yet Pakistan is also the battleground for China's encounters with Islamic militancy, the country more than any other where China's rise has turned it into a target.

Prologue: In the shadow of the Red Mosque -- Introduction -- A friendship forged by war -- Nuclear fusion -- Re-hyphenating India -- The Chinese war on terror -- The trade across the roof of the world -- Tea with the Taliban -- Lord, make them leave--but not yet -- Epilogue: The dragon meets the lion.