Burma's Northeast Borderland Problems

Abstract

A FRONTIER, to readers accustomed to think in European terms, is a L sharply defined line, generally evolved in centuries past according to some ancient cleavage between nations or cultures. American readers might hesitate to endorse such a static definition, thinking instead, perhaps, of a dynamic society stretching out to meet the challenge of physical barriers and limitations. The which is the subject of this article cannot be comprehended in either of the above sets of terms. It is true that it constitutes a formidable physical barrier (albeit one that has been, and is being, penetrated in the course of widespread folk migrations) but its special character lies in the interposition between the societies of Burma and China of a complex of minority communities, none of them wholeheartedly committed, politically and culturally, to either Burma or China. Over a period of almost a thousand years, attempts have been made to integrate the frontier peoples (usually by force) into the social systems of Burma and China, and international conflicts have arisen during this process as rival claims have been pressed forward. This age-old struggle continues today, and its outcome is still uncertain. The physical frontier takes its shape from a vast geological thrust which raised a complex mountain chain stretching from eastern Tibet down to Malaya and Java, gradually losing height until it sinks into the ocean. To the north of Burma there are peaks rising to over i5,000 feet. The range which makes up the eastern borderland of the present Kachin State is topped by mountains of io,ooo or I2,000 feet. Southwards, the Shan hills are nowhere higher than 7,5oo feet, and as the Siamese border is approached, the hilltops do not go above 5,000 feet. To the west of these ranges are the plains and low hills of Burma proper; to the east, a rugged tangle of mountains and valleys spreading over the greater part of Yunnan province. Three mighty rivers flow through the borderland: the Irrawaddy, the Salween and the Mekong (known to the Chinese as Kin-Cha Chiang, Lu Chiang and Lan Tsa Chiang). The Irrawaddy bores its way through the northern hills via