The trade relationship between Myanmar and China continues to flourish despite the growing domestic instability in Myanmar
Myanmar-China relations have often been described as ‘Pauk Phaw’—a fraternal relationship—owing to its political, economic, and diplomatic ties. The two countries share a 2129-km-long border and have deep historical and cultural ties. The relationship underwent a transformation post-1988 as the Western nations sanctioned Naypyidaw for human rights abuse and political instability due to the coup. It was during this time that Beijing became the largest trading partner of the Southeast Asian neighbour and to this date continues to be so.
While the dynamic relations between the two have witnessed several ups and downs in the past owing to the wariness of Myanmar authorities towards Chinese intent—be it weaponising ethnic groups, debt scares, or, unsustainable projects—the relationship has always maintained its strong course despite all odds. One significant factor in this is the steady economic ties that have grown in importance over the past two decades.
In recent years, China has become one of Myanmar's largest trading partners. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar, the bilateral trade between April 2022 and half of January 2023 in the financial year 2022-2023, reached up to US$2159.412 million.
Source: Ministry of Commerce, SACChina has been investing consistently in physical infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).Myanmar's exports to China are primarily agricultural products, such as rice, beans, and sesame seeds. In 2019, agricultural exports accounted for 83 percent of Myanmar's total exports to China. Myanmar is also exporting more minerals, such as jade and copper, to China. In contrast, China's exports to Myanmar are primarily manufactured goods, such as machinery, electronics, and textiles. The growing trade relationship between Myanmar and China has been driven by several factors. First, China's demand for Myanmar's natural resources has increased as its economy has grown. Myanmar is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, timber, and minerals, and China has invested heavily in these sectors. Myanmar exports of pearls, precious stones, metals, and coins to China were US$12.31 million in 2021.
Source: The IrrawaddyChina has been criticised over the sustainability of its loans to developing countries, as well as its poor record in terms of generating occupations and adhering to ecological standards.The debt scare aspect has been another element that economists have been wary about. China’s development model as observed in other nations often encompasses state-led infrastructure projects for which natural resources are required as a warranty. China has been criticised over the sustainability of its loans to developing countries, as well as its poor record in terms of generating occupations and adhering to ecological standards. There have been successive claims by different scholars that much of the Chinese lending to other countries is “hidden”. Prominent organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank, are serious concerns over transparency. Post-coup, the conditions have deteriorated as the general public is indignant with the Chinese actions of continuing business as usual with the military regime as well as shielding it from international spectators. This has led to growing aggression over Chinese-led businesses for instance the vandalising of Chinese companies during 2021-2022. It may be important to recall that Myanmar is not ignorant of the Chinese advances and has been careful in its earlier stances to balance Chinese trails within the region either by ruling against the projects like the Myitsone dam, negotiating proper deals, for instance, the cost of Kyaukphyu project was reduced by almost 80 percent and Myanmar’s share in the project was increased from 15 to 30 percent. It has also partnered with other players in the region like Japan and India. However, the present coup creates more uncertainty in terms of the continuous people’s and ethnic armed group movements against the regime. Thus, the present regime in Myanmar will need to keep its balancing act intact as it opens its business with other partners and pursues its ambition to stay afloat amidst the harsh waters of protests.
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Sreeparna Banerjee is a Junior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation Kolkata with the Strategic Studies Programme.
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