China's Growing Influence a Challenge for Myanmar

 China's Growing Influence a Challenge for Myanmar

 

The friendly handshake between Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and her Chinese counterpart Want Yi in the capital city of Naypyitaw this week is being portrayed in China as a “good beginning” for Sino-Myanmar ties.

 

 But the neighbors’ long-term relationship will hinge on how the new civilian government addresses concerns raised by China regarding border security and business disagreements.

  

 Analysts say given Myanmar’s economic dependence on China it will be a high call for the new government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi who is seen as a trump card for the West, to contain the superpower neighbor’s growing influence in Myanmar.

 

 Yet China will have to make compromises to resolve its business spats with Myanmar, they add.

  

 Friendly talks

  

 During his two-day official visit to Myanmar, China’s Wang had extended an olive branch.

 

 "I've come to send out a very clear signal to the international community that China is pleased to stand by Myanmar and continue to be a good neighbor, a good friend and a good partner of Myanmar, after it has turned over a new page in its annals," Wang told Aung San Suu Kyi during their meeting on Tuesday.