• Burmese
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
26 °c
Yangon
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home News Burma

China’s Policy on Myanmar Junta Endangers its Interests: Analyst

The Irrawaddy by The Irrawaddy
April 5, 2021
in Burma
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
Protesters march on the Chinese Embassy in Yangon in February. / The Irrawaddy

Protesters march on the Chinese Embassy in Yangon in February. / The Irrawaddy

10.1k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

China’s refusal to condemn Myanmar’s military regime endangers its interests in its southern neighbor as anti-Chinese sentiment grows, according to the UK-based think-tank Chatham House.

A report by senior research fellow Dr. Gareth Price said the lack of criticism of Myanmar’s military takeover shows China’s self-interest, saying it is happy to deal with whoever wields power in Naypyidaw.

Price said: “China may feel that, regardless of the outcome, it will continue to be Myanmar’s major partner. But that feeling may be a misjudgment because, if the military is forced to back down, it may result in a more pronounced anti-China tilt, threatening its strategic interests.

RelatedPosts

Myanmar Junta’s ‘Living Fence’ on Thai Border Falls to Karen Resistance

Myanmar Junta’s ‘Living Fence’ on Thai Border Falls to Karen Resistance

July 14, 2025
938
Myanmar Junta Launches Space Agency With Russian Help

Myanmar Junta Launches Space Agency With Russian Help

July 14, 2025
646
TNLA Invites Investment in Ruby and Mineral Towns Amid Myanmar Junta Onslaught

TNLA Invites Investment in Ruby and Mineral Towns Amid Myanmar Junta Onslaught

July 14, 2025
490

 “China’s ‘laissez-faire’ attitude so far puts them under threat, as some Chinese factories have been burned down and protesters have threatened to blow up pipelines,” he said.

“The optics surrounding China’s de facto protection of the military are not good internationally,” the political-risk analyst said.

Myanmar is key to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), potentially giving Beijing access to the Indian Ocean through the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone in Rakhine State.

Since the February 1 coup, China and Russia have blocked action at the United Nations Security Council. Anti-Chinese sentiment has rapidly risen in Myanmar and protesters have called for opposition to all Chinese projects and imports.

Beijing has called for dialogue and labeled the coup “an internal affair”, saying the international community should not interfere.

“But were China to stop ‘not interfering’ this could enable broader international action and, although it might threaten China’s interests in Myanmar in the short-term, it would likely advance them in the longer-term,” Price said.

“Myanmar’s generals have no intention of ceding power but, without Chinese acquiescence, they face significant challenges trying to hold on to it.

“China needs to be aware that a ‘one size fits all’ policy of non-interference will not win many friends, and any it does win are likely to be of the less salubrious kind,” he wrote.

The analyst warned that more alarmingly for China was that ethnic armed groups were coming together in opposition to the regime.

“It is also worth considering the situation in Myanmar may yet descend into civil war, particularly given the stance taken by the ethnic groups. That too would threaten China’s interests,” Price said.

Military tensions are rising, especially in Kachin and Shan states, where many Chinese projects are planned, including three cross-border economic cooperation zones, the Muse-Mandalay railway and Myitkyina Industrial Zone.

Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar’s military is reported across Kachin and northern Shan states. The KIA launched offensives against military and police positions, saying it stands with the protesters.

Moreover, tensions have risen with the Karen Nation Union’s (KNU) in Papun, Nyaunglebin and Thaton districts.

The KNU urged the military to release all detainees and stop all crackdowns on peaceful protesters.

The Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Arakan Army, condemned the junta, warning that it is ready to join forces with all ethnic minorities to fight the regime if the killing of protesters continues.

Following the Brotherhood Alliance warning, China has reportedly requested a meeting with the regime over growing concerns about the security of its oil and gas pipelines. China is pressuring the regime to reinforce security for the pipelines, particularly in northern Shan State where tensions are particularly high.

“Were China to take a more critical approach and encourage the military to back down, potentially the coup could be seen as a temporary aberration. The more people die, the less plausible this will be, increasing the likelihood of civil war.” Price said.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported that at least 564 civilians have been killed by the security forces since the coup.

 

You may also like these stories:

Shadow Government Outlines Federal Union Plan for Myanmar’s Future

Russia Plots Its Next Moves on the Myanmar Chessboard

Easter Sunday Sees Myanmar Death Toll at Hands of Military Regime Topping 560

Your Thoughts …
Tags: Belt and Road initiativeChatham HouseChinacivil disobedience movementcivilian deathsCoupcrackdownDemocracyDr. Gareth PriceHuman RightsjuntaKachin Independence Armymilitary in politicsmilitary regimeMin Aung HlaingNational League for DemocracyNovember 8 general electionRakhine StateRule of LawState Administrative CouncilState Counselor Daw Aung San Suu KyiTatmadawUnited Nations
The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy

...

Similar Picks:

Exodus: Tens of Thousands Flee as Myanmar Junta Troops Face Last Stand in Kokang
Burma

Exodus: Tens of Thousands Flee as Myanmar Junta Troops Face Last Stand in Kokang

by Hein Htoo Zan
November 28, 2023
98.5k

Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army troops are opening roads and pathways through forests for people to flee Kokang’s capital as...

Read moreDetails
As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue
Burma

As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue

by The Irrawaddy
April 19, 2024
47k

The junta’s No. 2 has not been seen in public since April 3, sparking rumors that he was either gravely...

Read moreDetails
Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow
Burma

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow

by The Irrawaddy
February 12, 2024
44.8k

Ethnic armed grouping says it will continue Operation 1027 offensive until goal of ousting the junta is achieved. 

Read moreDetails
Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses
Business

Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses

by The Irrawaddy
November 27, 2023
38.6k

Jin San Jiao is latest northern Shan State trade hub in crosshairs of ethnic Brotherhood Alliance.

Read moreDetails
Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report
Burma

Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report

by The Irrawaddy
January 15, 2024
36.6k

Rakhine-based armed group has reportedly detained the chief of 19th Military Operations Command after seizing his base in Paletwa Township.

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale
Burma

Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale

by The Irrawaddy
December 8, 2023
32.9k

Min Aung Hlaing was trying to distract attention from a string of military defeats by handing out 147 medals for...

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Feature caption - Myanmar soldiers deploy to block protesters in Kale town, Sagaing Region on Mar. 1. / Khonumthung News

Four Myanmar Soldiers Killed in Grenade Attack in Sagaing Region

A screengrab from the video: CNN's Clarissa Ward (left) talks to regime spokesperson Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun (right).

Myanmar Junta Spokesman: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Father Would Think Her ‘Stupid’

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

6 days ago
1.3k
China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

China’s Surveillance State Watches Everyone, Everywhere

7 days ago
1.1k

Most Read

  • Myanmar Junta’s ‘Living Fence’ on Thai Border Falls to Karen Resistance

    Myanmar Junta’s ‘Living Fence’ on Thai Border Falls to Karen Resistance

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • ‘Las Vegas in Laos’: the Riverside City Awash With Crime

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Launches Space Agency With Russian Help

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • TNLA Invites Investment in Ruby and Mineral Towns Amid Myanmar Junta Onslaught

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Chief Thanks Trump for Shutting Down VOA and RFA

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.