President Xi Jinping Visits Myanmar, Marks 70th Diplomatic Anniversary

In the recent news, President Xi Jinping of China is set to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar with a visit. This visit is anticipated to bring major focus on three pillars of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) — the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone, and the New Yangon City. The CMEC, a branch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Indian Ocean, to the Bay of Bengal, mirrors the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which links Beijing’s western province of Xinjiang to Karachi and Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.

The Historical Context of CMEC

It all began with the East India Company and the British Raj’s ambitious pursuit of connectivity into Yunnan through Burma (now Myanmar). Their aim was to boost trade between India and western China. During the late 19th century, the Indian Railways even went as far as surveying a route for a railway line from the Arakan coast (Myanmar) to Yunnan (China). Unfortunately, the plan failed in its implementation stage. Today, China shall realize the vision of the East India Company, marking a milestone in history.

Key Elements of the Presidential Visit

President Xi Jinping’s visit is expected to enhance the connectivity between China’s southwestern province of Yunnan and the eastern Indian Ocean. The discussion is expected to revolve around significant infrastructure projects like the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a deep-sea port at Kyaukpyu, and the construction of a railway line from the China border to Mandalay in central Myanmar. Furthermore, the visit may also result in the revival of the hydel dam at Myitsone and the copper mining project that was suspended a decade ago.

Implications for Economic and Diplomatic Relations

The Presidential visit is perceived to reinforce China’s status as the prime economic partner of Myanmar. It is expected to rejuvenate the historically special relationship between the two countries. While the US and the West have critically evaluated Myanmar’s handling of the Rohingya problem, China has chosen to play the role of mediator between Myanmar and Bangladesh. China proposes that some of its BRI projects can help alleviate the Rohingya conflict by speeding up the development of the Arakan region.

Historical Relations: The Southern Silk Road

The CMEC enforces the centuries-old concept of the Southern Silk Road by China. By developing ports like Gwadar and Kyaukpyu, China aims to reduce its strategic dependence on the Malacca straits – the essential trade link between the Indian and the Pacific oceans, which is at present the Indo-Pacific Command of the U.S.

The Impact on India

China’s growing economic stakes in the Bay of Bengal signify a larger maritime presence and naval engagement in the region, which in turn reinforces the string of pearls policy by China. This geopolitical theory refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities extended from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan in the Horn of Africa but is denied by China, which views its actions as attempts to strengthen a new maritime Silk Road.

Steps to be Taken by India

In response, India needs to concentrate on providing a more substantial contribution to Myanmar’s development and security. It should focus on timely completion of its own infrastructure projects in Myanmar and devise a new strategy for commercial partnership that aligns with India’s capabilities and strengths. Furthermore, it is crucial for India to augment collaborations with like-minded partners like Japan, who already has a growing economic presence in Myanmar. Thus, combining India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy will be beneficial. Lastly, it is equally important for India to revive the dormant dialogue with China on the BCIM corridor involving Bangladesh, China, India, and Myanmar.