In this sponsored post on Myanmar Times it starts by explaining the political and economic history of Myanmar. Myanmar being the top economic powerhouse in Asia in the 1930’s has continued over the past 70 years to go into disarray and economic depression. With continued wars and division the country which is rich with natural resources and geographic advantage has missed some opportunities to capitalize on these many advantages. The article points out that Myanmar needs China and that it can’t miss this opportunity.
Myanmar and China have a plan to develop 5 major projects including Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone, the Myanmar-China Agriculture Project, the China-Myanmar railway, the Yangon New Town, and the Myanmar-China Border Economic Cooperation Zone. All of these claims are more development that the British invested to develop Myanmar during the colonial era.
The article goes on to explain all 5 projects in some detail making it sound as though China is doing Myanmar a huge favor and will bring Myanmar back to the glory years. At this point as a reader one gets the idea that China is desperate to control Myanmar and does not have it’s best interest when developing these things. We’ve seen tons of examples in the region including Sri Lanka and outside the region in many African Nations where China makes big promises and then the country is in huge debt to China. China clearly sees Myanmar as a means to an end. The Belt and Road initiative with Myanmar as it’s centerpiece would give China a huge advantage for the Yunnan Province development. Myanmar should be weary of all Chinese advances and hope that if it does do any partnerships that it is clear what both sides are really going to benefit.
Source: The Myanmar Times