Burma in China’s Foreign Policy: the consequences of the ‘Burmese thaw’ for China-Myanmar relations

Abstract

This paper gives an insight into Chinese-Burmese relations, focusing on important factors that have had an impact today. Firstly, it recaps the history of China and Burma. Secondly, it shows China’s two main reasons of engagement in Myanmar: the foreign one (the Malacca Dilemma) and the domestic one (the Western Development Strategy). Thirdly, it will summarize the consequences of Western sanctions on Myanmar. Fourthly, it shows the importance of Chinese influence on the present-day domestic situation in Burma. Fifthly, it presents the circumstances of the “Burmese thaw”. Finally, it providesan explanation on Burma’s importance in Chinese foreign policy and the implications of recent political changes in Myanmar for Chinese-Burmese relations.