China-Myanmar ties unaltered by West's rebranding
- By Xiao An
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E-mail China.org.cn, January 23, 2013
Myanmar itself is passively rising from an abandoned nation to the West's regional favorite. It is as close to Vietnam as a potential U.S. strategic partner to hold back China.
Some people could not even wait to see a new Myanmar after Aung San Suu Kyi went back onto the political stage. They envisioned Myanmar would instantly embrace the Western world while completely ditching China's influence.
But as they are blowing the neo-Cold War bugle, they might be falling into their own trap.
First, as Myanmar's major neighbor, China's geopolitical influence on Myanmar is irreplaceable. If the U.S. or Japan insists on their strategic partnership with Myanmar, which primarily aims to contain China, they will before long find Myanmar is geographically too far to reach.
Second, China has never dreaded Myanmar's democratic reforms but, quite on the contrary, stands to benefit from it. Myanmar's democratization is linked with its economic revitalization, reconciliation among different ethnic groups and religious prosperity. These are all positive factors to stability and development.
Third, between China and Myanmar, close non-governmental connections that include culture, religion, and geopolitical exchange have long been traditions shared by the two countries. This points to a continued positive bilateral relationship between the two countries.
And fourth, no one understands better than China that Burmese people have an enterprising heart beneath their calm and humble appearance. Such a nationality is the result of an ancient glory that combines with recent suffering and the religious influence from both Buddhism and Hinduism.
That's to say, regardless of all internal changes, in Myanmar's future diplomacy, the country will always base itself in the ASEAN framework, and continue to rely on China and India while developing good relationship with the West. It is unlikely Myanmar will completely ditch its neighbors as it aligns itself with the U.S.-led Western countries.
"Myanmar will not choose between China and the United States," said an anonymous Burmese politician who may be capable of deciding the country's future.
China will not force Myanmar to take a position, nor will the U.S.. Perhaps the Shinzo Abe administration is the only party who wishes to see this happen.
Abe recently launched an active diplomatic campaign in Myanmar, wishing to trick the international community into believing that China intends to snatch Myanmar – a vain effort based on his incorrect judgment of the situation.
Amid the West's strategic campaigns and the Myanmar's complicated internal situation, China is intentionally keeping a low profile and in the meantime doing whatever it can to preserve fruitful Sino-Myanmar cooperation. China insists on investment that will benefit the two countries.
China will not tolerate defamation. It will increase its voice in the international community to let more Burmese people know the truth about its policies toward Myanmar and investment in the country.
The question that remains is how Myanmar plans to conduct itself amid the swirling regional political turmoil.
China hopes Myanmar will remain solemnly aware of the country's current situation. Additionally, it hopes Myanmar will keep its integrity and dignity, unlike the Philippines, who has reduced itself to a cheap partner.
Meanwhile, the Burmese government must tell its own people that Sino-Myanmar co-operation will bear positive fruits. It should also responsibly deal with inter-ethnic conflicts that could affect cross-border peace and stability.
This article was originally published in Chinese, and translated by Chen Boyuan.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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