Giants vie for influence in Myanmar

Description: 

"Behind the scenes of this year's Asean and East Asian summits, currently taking place in Bangkok, the region's key nations -- China, India and Japan -- are engaged in a quiet battle for greater influence in Myanmar. While on the sidelines, the countries of Asean, especially Thailand, as the current chair of the regional organisation, are offering qualified support for its problematic ally, largely behind the scenes. The fact that the State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, is here is a measure of how important she and the Myanmar government regard their relations with the region and its top powers. In the face of growing Western criticism, Myanmar is anxious to secure greater support from its Asian "friends". Sources close to "the Lady", as she is affectionately known in the country, say she feels bitterly betrayed by the United Kingdom and United States. Last year she told a close confidante that Myanmar only had two friends it could really trust -- China and Japan, and to a lesser degree India. Asean's support, though less significant than the big three "neighbours", was taken for granted, according to diplomatic sources..."

Creator/author: 

Larry Jagan

Source/publisher: 

"Bangkok Post" (Thailand)

Date of Publication: 

2019-11-04

Date of entry: 

2019-11-04

Grouping: 

  • Individual Documents

Category: 

Countries: 

Myanmar,China, India, Japan, Thailand, ASEAN

Language: 

English

Resource Type: 

text