Politics of Economic Relations Between China and Myanmar

Abstract

This chapter will look at the political ramifications of China’s economic relations with Myanmar. It looks at the impact of the changes of Myanmar’s international position from an international pariah country into an accepted democratizing member of the international community and how this affects its economic ties with China. Firstly, the focus is on the “political competitiveness” of Chinese economy in Myanmar markets after Myanmar’s position now allows the country to choose its economic partners. Secondly, the chapter will look at how the increasing Chinese political power affects its economic relationship with Myanmar. Will China remain anti-hegemonic with no interest in interfering in Myanmar’s domestic economic decisions? Thirdly, the chapter will look at domestic political realities in Myanmar and their impact on the economic relationship between the two countries.