Ukraine Crisis Prompts China to Swing Behind Myanmar’s Junta

Jason Tower considers the recent shift in Chinese policy towards the authoritarian regime in Myanmar in light of its wider impact in the region, Chinese foreign policy, and its potential impact on democracy and human rights in the region. Over the past month, China has increased its military support for the junta and is also working to pressure other countries to follow its example in supporting the dictatorship, a position likely to escalate violence and instability in the country. Tower traces the shift in policy from China's initial response to the 1 February 2021 military coup and in terms of its economic policy towards Myanmar. He notes that with its strategy, China is trying to make itself critical for Myanmar's military regime, threatening democracy and stability in the region, and necessitating a renewed response from democracy supporters.

Read the full piece here at the United States Institute of Peace.