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Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing (right) meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, PHOTO: AFP

While the world grapples with the escalating crisis in Myanmar, a silent enabler lurks in the shadows: China. Beijing’s unwavering support for the military junta, driven by strategic and economic interests, is exacerbating the conflict and undermining regional stability. This support, ranging from diplomatic cover to arms deals, is prolonging the suffering of the Myanmar people and hindering any hopes for a peaceful resolution.

China’s motivations are multifaceted. Firstly, Beijing views Myanmar as a crucial link in its Belt and Road Initiative, a vast infrastructure project aimed at expanding China’s economic and political influence. Myanmar’s strategic location, providing access to the Indian Ocean, makes it a valuable asset for China’s geopolitical ambitions.

Secondly, China fears the spread of instability across its border. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has already resulted in an influx of refugees into China, and Beijing worries that the fighting could embolden ethnic armed groups within its own borders. By propping up the junta, China hopes to maintain a semblance of order and prevent spillover effects.

However, China’s support for the junta is having the opposite effect. By providing the military with diplomatic cover, arms, and financial assistance, China is enabling the junta’s brutal crackdown on dissent. This, in turn, is fueling further resistance and escalating the conflict. The junta, emboldened by China’s backing, feels no pressure to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition or to address the root causes of the crisis.

Evidence of China’s complicity is mounting. Reports indicate that China has supplied the junta with military equipment, including fighter jets and armored vehicles. Chinese companies continue to invest in Myanmar, providing the junta with much-needed revenue. Moreover, China has repeatedly blocked attempts by the UN Security Council to take action against the junta, effectively shielding it from international pressure.

The consequences of China’s actions are far-reaching. The prolonged conflict is devastating Myanmar’s economy, fueling a humanitarian crisis, and driving a mass exodus of its people. This instability is also threatening the security of the entire region, with the potential to spark a wider conflict.

For instance, the recent surge in fighting near the China-Myanmar border has resulted in stray shells landing on Chinese territory, raising concerns about a possible escalation. The influx of refugees is also straining resources in neighboring countries, increasing the risk of regional tensions.

China’s support for the junta is a short-sighted and dangerous policy that is undermining regional stability and prolonging the suffering of the Myanmar people. It is time for Beijing to reconsider its approach and use its influence to pressure the junta to end the violence and engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition. Failure to do so will have dire consequences for Myanmar and the entire region.