Chinese visits to Myanmar have increased their influence, but could be damaging their interests.

A number of Chinese officials have recently visited Myanmar in an effort to counterbalance the United States' influence in the region. Although Beijing has been a staunch ally to the military junta since the coup in February of 2019, rebel leaders have warned that the lack of stability while the regime is in power is a miscalculation.



(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)



In this photo combo, from left: former General Than Shwe, former President Thein Sein, and current Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing. Credit: AFP



(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)



The intent of these visits is to support the democratic forces in Myanmar, as signed into law by President Joe Biden in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This act will provide technology and non-lethal assistance to those fighting for democracy.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed that China is closely following the situation in the nation and hopes for a resolution through dialogue and consultation among all stakeholders, showing that China's interests are tied to peace and stability in Myanmar.

In recent months, a slew of high-profile visits by Chinese officials to Myanmar have highlighted Beijing's efforts to counter U.S. influence on the nation. Nonetheless, rebel leaders have cautioned that propping up the military junta will not bring stability to the country. In contrast to most Western nations, Chinese investors have flocked to Myanmar, and trade between the two neighbors continues uninterrupted.



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The visits by top Chinese officials are seen as a bid to balance U.S. influence in the region, however Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed Beijing's interest in a peaceful resolution through dialogue with all stakeholders. Reports suggest that the visits are aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries, and securing China's strategic interests in the region. Ultimately, it is hoped that the ties between China and Myanmar will lead to a lasting peace in the nation.



(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)

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