China Studies

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Operation 1027:China’s Economic Entanglement With Anticipated and Unforeseen Risks

ISP-Myanmar is presenting a series of three OnPoint analyses that will shed light on ‘Operation 1027’, the military offensive launched by the three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA) and their allies on October 27, 2023. This ISP OnPoint No. 18 analysis, the second in the series, emphasizes the economic significance embedded within the offensive and China’s response to the conflict.

Beijing Launches Serious Cross-border Arrests in Myanmar

This explainer focuses on developments in the Myanmar-China relationship over the past few months. Dissatisfied with the State Administration Council’s (SAC) efforts on crackdown of cross-border crimes, Beijing has undertaken its own initiatives towards arresting suspects in the Kokang and Wa areas.

SAC’s Election Plan and China Pays Special Attention

This discussion focuses on the development of China-Myanmar relations based on ISP’s timeline collections which follow trends on particular subjects. Recently, the State Administration Council (SAC) extended its rule by six months while also outlining high priority on holding ‘free and fair democratic multiparty elections’ in its future programs.

Puzzle of Official Trade Gap Rises: China and Myanmar Trade Data

A comparison between the statements of SAC and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) shows a nearly USD 17 billion gap in the previous 2022-23 financial year. The amount represents illegal trade while showing an increase of almost two times compared to the 2020-21 financial year.

China and The SAC: More Security and Diplomatic Collaboration

This ISP Explainer No. 4 centers on recent developments in China-Myanmar relations based on ISP-Myanmar’s timelines of notable events. One major event of concern is that of a convoy of Chinese officials who were shot while traveling along the Sadon-Kanpiketi Highway at a time when State Administration Council (SAC) forces had renewed their offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Energy Sector: 70% of Total Inflow and Key in Foreign Investment

Myanmar has attracted more than USD 5.4 billion in foreign investment within over two years since the coup. Of these, 70 percent (approximately USD 4 billion) is directed to the energy sector. The extent of foreign investment in the energy sector includes USD 2.5 billion - part of China's Mee Lin Gyaing LNG Power project, which was approved in May 2021.

Aligning with China’s Policy Reset: Revitalizing Trade Routes and Economic Plans in Myanmar

This discussion focuses on the development of China-Myanmar relations over a two-month period, from March to May 2023, based on the ISP Timeline on China-Myanmar relations. Recently, China has been actively advocating for a fresh reset via its ‘Neighborhood Diplomacy’ approach to Myanmar. Meanwhile, China is pursuing development of an International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC).

issue:14,

6 May 2023

ISP's OnPoint

China’s Policy Reset: Will the SAC Follow China-Driven Political Exit?

China’s new Foreign Minister Mr. Qin Gang visited Naypyitaw on May 2, 2023. This marked the first official visit by a high-ranking Chinese official to Myanmar’s capital in the two years since the military coup. In the hours prior to the Naypyitaw trip, Mr. Qin toured the border regions of Yunnan province, which maintains vested interests with Myanmar in various sectors. Prior to Mr. Qin’s trip, Mr. Peng Xiubin, Director-General of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China and other high officials from Yunnan had frequently visited Myanmar.

Post “Grand Opening” of China Emphasizing Border Security and Investment Promotion

This explainer describes significant developments in Sino-Myanmar relations based on ’China Timeline’ complied by ISP-Myanmar. Since post-COVID China’s “Grand Opening”, China has focused on promoting economic activities and combating transnational criminal activities and has met with Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) on the Sino-Myanmar border to foster closer cooperation.