The study analyzes the trade pattern

trade competition and complemen- tarity relations between China and South Asian countries from 2005 to 2016 using social network analysis. The findings present as follow. First

in the last decade

the total volume of import and export between China and South Asian countries in- creased rapidly

meanwhile

trade deficit continued to deteriorate. Second

trade volumes between China and South Asian countries increased

trade network density intensified

trade structure optimized

and trade complementarity was stronger than competition. Third

China's trade relations with Sri Lanka

Maldives and Pakistan are partly complementary with weak trade competition. China's trade relations with India are both competitive and complementary

but complementary is stronger than competition. Last but not the least

export relations and complementary rela- tions between China and South Asian countries tend to concentrate in a few coun- tries in contrast with trade competition relations. Based on the results

China should optimize product trade structure

broaden trade scope; enhance bilateral industrial interaction; provide more trade opportunities using existing cooperation platform to promote the sustainable development of goods trade between China and South Asian countries.