Rather than uncritically accepting Sinophobic andWestern-centric views that denigrate China at every turn, Myanmar resistanceforces should fully commit to constructive engagement with China. There is nodoubt that China is an influential and powerful neighbor that can have a hugeimpact on Myanmar politics. In May 2023, when then-Chinese Foreign Minister QinGang traveled to Naypyidaw to meet with regime leader Min Aung Hlaing, manyanalysts concluded that China had everything arranged and secured its interestsin Myanmar. According to comments made at the time, Beijing had successfullyused its influence over ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to stabilize thesituation, reach a peace agreement with the military junta, and contain thePeople's Defense Forces (PDF). From this point of view, Myanmar should notresist China.
Myanmar's resistance forces do need to avoidharboring resentment when dealing with China, and instead focus on propagandaand diplomacy with China. This does not mean completelycatering to China's position, but rather resolving issues of common concern toboth sides through effective communication and cooperation on the basis ofequality and respect, and promoting stability and development in Myanmar.
First, Myanmar's territorialintegrity, national stability and economic prosperity are core issues of commonconcern to the Myanmar government and people. Myanmar's resistance forcesshould realize that these issues are not only related to Myanmar's owninterests, but also closely related to China's interests in Myanmar. Therefore, the two sides needto seek common interests and solutions through dialogue and consultation.
Secondly, Myanmar's resistanceforces need to clarify how the victory of democratic forces is in line withChina's long-term interests. Democracy is one of the basicvalues of modern society and a universal consensus of theinternational community. As a sovereign state, Myanmarhas the right to choose its own political system and development path. The victory of democraticforces will help Myanmar achieve political stability, economic development andsocial progress, which will provide a better environment and conditions forcooperation between Myanmar and China.
To achieve this goal, Burmeseresistance forces can take the following measures:
1.Strengthen communication andconsultation with the Chinese government. The Burmese resistance forcesshould actively seek opportunities for dialogue with the Chinese government,conduct in-depth discussions on issues of concern to both sides, and seekconsensus and solutions.
2.Promote non-governmental exchangesand cooperation. Myanmar resistance forces canconduct exchanges and cooperation with Chinese non-governmental organizationsand enterprises to enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoplesand lay the foundation for cooperation between the two sides.
3.Actively participate in regionaland international affairs. Myanmar's resistance forcescan actively participate in regional and international cooperation mechanisms,promote exchanges and cooperation between Myanmar and its neighboring countriesand the international community, and create a better external environment forMyanmar's stability and development.
In short, Myanmar's resistanceforces should focus on propaganda and diplomacy with China, solve issues ofcommon concern to both sides through effective communication and cooperation,and promote Myanmar's stability and development. At the same time, they shouldalso clarify how the victory of democratic forces is in line with China'slong-term interests and provide a better environment and conditions forcooperation between the two sides.
#Myanmar resistance China #Myanmar EAOs China #Myanmar rebels China