Abstract:

If Myanmar is the bridge of “the Belt and Road Initiative” connecting south and southeast Asia in the geographical pattern of Asia, then northern Myanmar is the key to entering the bridge. The present situation in northern Myanmar shows the following characteristics: 1) the scale of the conflict continues to rise over time, with the conflict spreading from Kokang to the north-south direction of Myanmar and being highly concentrated in the central region; 2) the geographical environment of northern Myanmar is complex, and it is a region where interests of great powers converge; 3) the conflict between the Burmese army and the ethnic armed groups cannot be eliminated in the short term, and this persistent conflict will be the norm in northern Myanmar; and 4) the parties to the conflict lack a platform for equal dialog and consensus in peace talks, and are unable to reach a consensus in the short term. This situation in northern Myanmar has affected the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, resulting in the inability to effectively push forward its investment projects, blocking the development of the “herringbone” corridor, and damaging the image of the Chinese government and enterprises in Myanmar. In view of the impact of the situation in northern Myanmar, China and other international organizations should seriously research on and accurately grasp the demands of both sides and the situation in Myanmar and actively assist both sides in conflict. Major political parties must set up a dialog platform, establish an equal consultation mechanism, and promote the effective advancement of peace talks. The creation of the economic corridor should focus not only on the construction of a hard environment, but also on the strengthening of investment in a soft environment, which will be the key to ensuring the effective advancement of the China-Myanmar economic corridor construction. Therefore, taking the case of Myanmar as a breakthrough is greatly significant in building a model of “the Belt and Road” construction around China and in exploring effective ways of implementing the initiative and summarizing various experiences.

Key words: The situation in northern Myanmar, geopolitics, armed conflict, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor