China, Thailand, and India Meet Myanmar Junta for Talks on Bilateral Cooperation
In a significant development, representatives from China, Thailand, and India recently held talks with Myanmar’s military junta to discuss bilateral cooperation. While the ASEAN summit in Jakarta did not include a representative from the junta, these three countries engaged with the generals and ministers from Myanmar’s regime. The discussions covered various areas, including military cooperation, border stability, and the rule of law.
China’s Vice Admiral Liu Zizhu visited General Maung Maung Aye, the chief of the general staff in Myanmar, in Naypyitaw. During their meeting, they reportedly discussed military cooperation, border stability, and the importance of upholding the rule of law. This visit is in line with China’s longstanding alliance with Myanmar’s junta, as they have remained a major arms supplier to the regime since the coup in 2021.
Similarly, Major General Yang Yang of China’s intelligence bureau met with Soe Win, the junta’s deputy leader, on May 30. These discussions aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties between China and Myanmar, particularly in areas such as intelligence sharing and cooperation in addressing common challenges.
China’s engagement with Myanmar’s regime extends beyond military cooperation. In the past month, at least nine junta ministers have traveled to China for meetings. Win Shein, Myanmar’s deputy prime minister and planning and finance minister, recently attended the Quality Conference hosted by China in Chengdu. During the conference, he invited investment in Myanmar’s electricity and energy sectors, highlighting the potential for collaboration between the two countries.
India has also been actively engaging with Myanmar’s junta. Vinay Kumar, the Indian ambassador to Myanmar, held meetings with key junta officials, including Win Shein and foreign minister Than Swe. The discussions focused on promoting friendship, enhancing border trade, and implementing bilateral projects. Furthermore, both countries expressed their commitment to closer cooperation in regional and international forums, such as ASEAN and the United Nations.
Cooperation in the energy sector was a key area of discussion for both India and Myanmar. Myanmar has been grappling with severe power outages since the 2021 coup, with its current production meeting only 50 percent of the national demand. To address this issue, India and Myanmar explored the possibility of cross-border power lines and capacity-building training for the junta ministry staff.
Thailand, another neighbor of Myanmar, also joined the discussions on electricity cooperation. The Thai ambassador to Myanmar, Mongkol Visitstump, met with Nyan Tun, the electricity minister, to explore collaboration on cross-border power lines. Additionally, they discussed technology transfers and cooperation in the exploration and distribution of oil and gas.
The intensified cooperation between China, Thailand, and India with Myanmar’s military junta has raised eyebrows internationally, considering the regime’s controversial actions and the ongoing condemnation it faces. However, these countries seem to prioritize their strategic interests and economic opportunities in Myanmar, overlooking the concerns raised by the international community.
Conclusion
The recent talks between China, Thailand, India, and Myanmar’s junta highlight the growing cooperation in various sectors, including military, energy, and trade. While international condemnation of the regime continues, these countries have chosen to deepen their engagement with Myanmar’s generals. It remains to be seen how this engagement will impact the political and economic landscape of Myanmar, as well as its relations with the international community.
