Chinese Factors in India Relationship with Myanmar in the Period 1992 – 2014

Abstract

India and Myanmar are two neighboring countries have a traditional, close and longstanding relationship. Through many vicissitudes and fluctuations of history, bilateral relations have been retained and developed since the Cold War to the present. In relations with Myanmar, India cannot ignore the Chinese factor. China is a “rising” power in Asia and a neighbor to both India and Myanmar. With the third largest area and largest population in the world, China has a very important influence on the diplomatic relations of the countries, including the relations between India and Myanmar. Considered as a strategic competitor of India in the 21st century, China has a great influence on the country in improving and developing relations with neighboring countries, including Myanmar. On the basis of the reference sources, this research’s aim is to analyze China’ role in India - Myanmar relations process in the years 1992 - 2014, thereby helping readers to recognize the great impact of the Chinese factor on the development of the relationship mentioned above. The scope of this research is the Chinese factor for India - Myanmar relations in the period when India implemented the “Look East” policy (1992 - 2014). The research shows that the factor’s impact on India - Myanmar relations in the aforementioned period is regular and takes place in many fields, with the focus on political - diplomacy, economic and security - defense. With the strategic importance of neighboring Myanmar, India cannot “forget” its Chinese strategic competitor in relations with Myanmar as well as other neighboring countries in the 21st century.

Received: 7 November 2020 / Accepted: 21 December 2020 / Published: 17 January 2020