To understand China’s top priority in Myanmar, forget Beijing’s involvement in the country’s sputtering peace process, or efforts to restart its backed but now suspended US$3.9 billion Myitsone hydroelectric dam, or even securing rights to extract copper at the locally resisted Letpadaung mine outside of Mandalay. Those are all subordinate interests to what China really […]
China firms up ties with Myanmar
March 5, 2018 by
China’s emergence as a global player and its generous foreign aid to Southeast Asian countries often leads to claims that its true actions are disguised and really a means to expand its power and influence throughout the region. However, Myanmar has adeptly managed its relations with the Asian powerhouse over the years and, contrary to […]
Beset by delays, Myanmar-China oil pipeline nears start-up
March 28, 2017 by
Nearly a decade in the making, a project to pump oil 770 km (480 miles) across Myanmar to southwest China is set for imminent start-up, with a supertanker nearing the port of Kyauk Phyu, marking the opening of a new oil trading route. Dogged by sensitive relations between Naypyitaw and Beijing, the $1.5 billion oil […]
