China looks to continue backing Myanmar without alienating Bangladesh

Without alienating Bangladesh, China is backing Myanmar, setting the stage of mediation between the two countries to resolve the Rohingya crisis. China flew 150 tons of relief package on September 28 for the Rohingya fleeing violence in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, reports the Hindu. However, the Chinese emphasised on the fact that they had flown in the supplies purely on humanitarian grounds to help Bangladesh in shouldering the influx of the incoming Rohingya, and that politically their stance was firm with Myanmar. Myanmar, backed by China, had faced severe criticism from the international community on grounds of human rights violation and engaging in "ethnic cleansing". "The Chinese side is highly concerned about the difficulty facing Bangladesh in resettling the displaced people in the Myanmar-Bangladesh border area. In order to help the government of Bangladesh with the resettlement efforts, the Chinese government has decided to provide emergency humanitarian supplies to the government of Bangladesh," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said during a September 30 media briefing. However, Beijing also ensured that Myanmar avoided harsh international sanctions, which the United Nations could impose. During the first debate in the UN Security Council on September 28, the Chinese side defended Myanmar, highlighting the context of the humanitarian crisis. Attacks by insurgents on 30 different police posts on August 25 led to a massive crackdown by the Myanmar army that has triggered the exodus of over half a million people, seeking refuge across the border in Bangladesh.

Strategically vital

Rakhine State is strategically important to both China and India. The website The Irrawaddy from Myanmar has reported that Beijing has been pushing for preferential access to the deep seaport of Kyaukphyu as part of its ambitious infrastructure investment plan to deepen its links with economies throughout Asia and beyond. China has plans to pitch in $10 billion in the neighbouring Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone. Besides, it wants to establish a railway from the Bay of Bengal, linking Myanmar with its Yunnan Province, within the framework of its Belt and Road undertaking. India, on its part is developing the Sittwe port, the capital of Rakhine province, for providing port access to its landlocked northeast. With the crisis escalating, China has reiterated its offer to mediate between Myanmar and Bangladesh. "China is willing to continue promoting peace talks in its own way, and hopes the international community can play a constructive role to ease the situation and promote dialogue," China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi was quoted as saying.