ARTICLES

26 Nov 2025

How China Outmanoeuvres the West in Myanmar

Jared Bissinger

The West’s incoherent strategy is no match for a ruthless, integrated Chinese approach that leverages economic links to its advantage.

China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

24 Oct 2024

Securing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor: Navigating Conflicts and Public Scepticism

Kyi Sin

The persistent conflict in Myanmar does not seem to have deterred China’s determination to realise its CMEC priorities. Despite significant military setbacks for the Myanmar military, China continues to urge the SAC to accelerate the implementation of key China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) projects.

26 Apr 2024

China’s Engagement with the Myanmar Junta: A High Cost, Low Returns Deal

Sithu

As the situation in Myanmar approaches a possible climax, one external actor has the chance to act not only to save its national interest but also to influence future outcomes in its chaotic neighbour.

China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar Myanmar Military

14 Nov 2023

Common Goal for Myanmar’s Warring Groups: Currying Favour With China

Kyi Sin

In an unexpected twist, the warring groups in Myanmar’s civil war have a unified goal: combatting cybercrime and ingratiating themselves with China.

China-Myanmar Relations Crime Myanmar Myanmar Military

31 Jan 2023

Beijing’s Engagement With Myanmar In 2023: Walking A Tight Rope?

A.T.

Beijing is likely to adopt a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to Myanmar. It would continue to engage the junta, yet at the same time work with ethnic armed groups opposed to it to protect Beijing’s investments in the country.

China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

23 Aug 2022

What do the Official Chinese Media’s Mixed Messages on the Myanmar Coup Mean?

Su Mon Thazin Aung|Nan Lwin

This article argues that China’s willingness to side with the Myanmar military and the SAC regime has been evident since the immediate aftermath of the February 2021 coup, despite its apparently mixed messages. Through its state media, China has all along transmitted messages largely in favour of the military takeover of its smaller neighbour.

China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

7 Jun 2022

Conflict Mismanagement: Beijing and Naypyidaw’s Counter-Effective Moves in Shan State

Drake Avila

Supporting Myanmar’s military junta while backing certain ethnic armed groups in Shan State is proving to be a riskier move for Beijing. The stakes will get higher if the spill-over from local conflicts paves the way for increased resistance to Naypyitaw.

China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar Myanmar Military

4 Jan 2022

Myanmar’s Submarines: The Race Is on Between China and Russia

Ian Storey

Last month Myanmar became the first Southeast Asian country to take delivery of a made-in-China submarine. In doing so, China has upped the stakes in its competition with Russia to supply Myanmar with a new fleet of submarines. Price and geopolitics will decide which country wins.

China-Myanmar Relations Maritime Security Myanmar Myanmar Military Russia

30 Jun 2021

Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?

Courtney T. Wittekind

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.

Aung San Suu Kyi China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

30 Nov 2020

New Fences on the China-Myanmar Border: Separation or Containment?

Andrew Ong

China has reportedly started erecting fences along its border with Myanmar. The move could be seen as a Chinese attempt to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar, but some observers have alluded other motives to Beijing.

China-Myanmar Relations COVID-19 Myanmar