China can contribute to Myanmar ethnic reconciliation
Aung San Suu Kyi, known as an icon of democracy and now serving as Myanmar’s state counselor and foreign minister, could visit China as early as next month, according to local media reports. It would be her first trip to a foreign country outside ASEAN since her party, the National League for Democracy ( NLD), won national elections in November last year.
Analysts believe that Myanmar, a country grappling with its international role, is attaching more importance to its ties with China, its largest trading partner. Bilateral trade increased 150 percent from $ 10 billion to $ 25 billion from 2013 to 2014. Beijing is also a major supporter of its infrastructure projects.
Some insiders revealed that Suu Kyi may also seek support for her nation’s ethnic reconciliation and peace process during her China trip. The country is going to hold the 21st century Panglong Ethnic Conference in late July or August, aiming to draw in ethnic armed groups which are yet to sign the nationwide cease- fire accord and achieve reconciliation.
As one of Myanmar’s neighbors, China is most affected by its ethnic conflicts. Last year, the clashes between Myanmar’s government forces and ethnic militias in northeast Myanmar near the Chinese border claimed the lives of a number of Chinese civilians. Given the complicated security reality along the border and the tangled ethnic and commercial relations between China and Myanmar, China should help determine the best strategies to push forward Myanmar’s peace process.
In 2013, China hosted a round of peace talks between Myanmar government and Kachin Independence Organization in Ruili, a border town in China. It provided funds to assist disarmed ethnic independent militias and help develop the local economy. China can also utilize its economic advantages to inject momentum to the development process in border areas. Zhangfeng border crossing in Yunnan Province has opened an expressway so fruit imports from Myanmar can get to the Chinese market in a shorter time.
In this post- arbitration period, efforts must be made to improve ties with ASEAN. Despite the territorial feud with some ASEAN member states such as the Philippines and Vietnam, China should place greater importance on comprehensive ties with this regional bloc and exert more efforts in contributing to peace- building in the region.
As China’s neighbor, Myanmar’s peace and stability matter to not only the country’s border security, but also China’s relations with ASEAN. A clear- cut Chinese role in Myanmar’s ethnic reconciliation and peace process will make bilateral ties evolve beyond their borders.