Hedging against the Dragon: Myanmar's Tangled Relationship with China since 1988*. (15th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Nian
• Is Part Of: Pacific focus. Volume 36:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2021-08-15
• Subjects: Myanmar -- China -- United States -- hedging -- coup; East Asia -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; 327.59
• DOI: 10.1111/pafo.12191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1225-4657

Abstract

Abstract : This study analyzes Myanmar's China policy since the military took power in 1988 and argues that Myanmar has actually hedged against the high risk of its heavy reliance on China. Through a new formulated analytical framework based on external risks and strategic preference, this study investigates why and how Myanmar hedged against China. It finds that Myanmar's cautiously varying policy has been motivated by the rising risks imposed by China and the Burmese leaders' conciliatory preference for adopting less coercive measures to respond to external threats. In practice, Myanmar has actively engaged with China with the aim of maximizing benefits, whereas it has also made great efforts to ensure against over‐dependence on China. In turn, this study predicts that the military regime established after the coup in February 2021 would move closer to China, while simultaneously resisting Chinese dominance.