A commentary in the Global Times, a newspaper run by the Chinese Communist Party, has warned against “excessive and hasty” democratic change in Burma, noting that political liberalization could lead to worsening ethnic conflict in the country. Citing recent clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Arakan State, it said that “Western-style democracy” could “provide chances for all kinds of extremists.” It added that conflicts “may get worse and run out of control” if Burma is too heavily influenced by the West or excessively relies on Western models of government.