The New Era of Sino-Burmese Relations: Changes in the Bilateral Relationship in View of China's Rise and Myanmar's Reforms

Abstract

Burma was the first non-Communist country to recognize the People's Republic in 1949. Since then, the relationship between Burma and China remained nervously friendly, and finally warmed in 1988. Due to isolation and economic sanctions Burma moved closer to China, the two authoritarian states becoming close allies. Subsequent concerns over Beijing's influence directly affected the junta's decision to pursue reform and open up the country. The following rapid expansion of Myanmar's diplomatic profile has complicated its relations with China. Myanmar has sought to diversify its foreign relations, but the Rohingya crisis has hindered this effort. China with its non-interference principle and the Belt and Road Initiative has managed to win Myanmar back, at least partially. This paper examines how Myanmar's relationship with China has evolved from Myanmar being aligned with China; through Myanmar hedging on the side of the United States; to Myanmar employing a double-hedging strategy with two great powers.