There has been a rise in anger against China in Myanmar after the country expressed support for the military junta in the conflict-hit nation. In February 2021, a military coup took place, and since then, China has supported the junta for its Belt and Road Initiative and to maintain stability in the region.
It is a growing perception among the people of Myanmar that China has weakened the revolt of armed groups against the coup. China has not yet clarified its position on the Arakan group. According to a survey by the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, at least 72% of people in civil society described China as not being a good neighbour.
Htet Min Lwin, a Myanmar expert at York University in Toronto, Ontario, is of the view that the rising dissent in Myanmar started after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited Naypyitaw and met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. Lwin said the political stakeholders had never been united, historically. He said the people of Myanmar observed this as an interference of China.
Of late, anti-military activists staged protests against the military junta to register their anti-China sentiments. The activists also boycott Chinese products.
Experts believe that resentment against China may grow in the coming days, viewing the situation as alarming. China and Myanmar are neighbors, and diplomatic channels should always remain open between the two countries. They also believe that China’s presence could reduce the influence of the Arakan Army in the country.
The experts say that the opposition in Myanmar should clear its stance on China and its views for the country.
