Author Description

The present study has a dual focus: the making of the issue of Myanmar, and the role of China. It is set to explain how the 'issue of Myanmar' has evolved over the years and what has been done to resolve it. Probing the complexity of the matter, moreover, the research focuses on China-Myanmar relations and China's view of the issue of Myanmar vis-à-vis the on-going international debate. As far as Myanmar is concerned, China has consistently argued against intervention. Its staunchness reflects a particularly complex relationship that exists between the two countries. On the eve of a Myanmar state visit to Beijing in 2006, China openly deflected international criticism of its guest: at a press conference, the government spokesperson stated resolutely that Myanmar is a friendly neighbor and friendly relations between the two countries go way back in time. This public statement makes reference to what China and Myanmar have gone through in the past decades. It also implies that on-going cross-border development is the logical outcome of that experience.