Chinese Involvement in Myanmar: UPSC Daily Important Topic | 17 July 2022

Chinese Involvement in Myanmar

✓Large Chinese infrastructure and mining projects in Myanmar have come up since the early 1990s, with scant regard for environmental degradation and displacement.

✓China has increased its economic profile in the country in recent times pushing for a special economic zone at Kyauk Phyu among other projects. The special economic zone, expected to cover more than 4,200 acres (17 sq. km), includes the $7.3 billion deep sea port and a $2.3 billion industrial park, with plans to attract industries such as textiles and oil refining, a Reuters report said.

✓It also used short-sighted western aid policies to acquire considerable leverage within Myanmar.

✓China now has an ability to significantly influence Myanmar insurgent groups such as the 

United WA State Army (UWSA) and Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

✓Its navy recently held joint exercises along Myanmar’s shores.