Cooperation with China needed for border disputes, development
Chinese experts said that the U.S. decision to lift economic sanctions on Myanmar is part of its strategy to rebalance the Asia-Pacific region, but Myanmar's cooperation with China is still necessary to solve boundary disputes and economic development.
"Myanmar still need to cooperate with China to deal with local armed groups and boundary disputes as well as to promote economic development," Gu Xiaosong, an expert on Southeast Asian Studies at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.
Liu Weidong, a research fellow at the Institute of American Studies of the China Academy of Social Sciences, said Myanmar would probably seek a balance between China and the U.S., as the former has advantages in geography and in building high-speed rail lines, while the U.S. enjoys a comparative advantage in high technology industries, including producing aircraft and weapons.
U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday wrote to Congress that he has determined "it is necessary to terminate the national emergency" with regard to Myanmar that deemed the policies of the former military government a threat to U.S. national security, Reuters reported.
"I have determined that the situation that gave rise to the national emergency with respect to Burma has been significantly altered by Burma's substantial advances to promote democracy," said Obama.
"The move is part of the U.S.' strategic return to the Asia-Pacific region," Su Ge, head of the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times, adding that it's a way for the U.S. to increase its regional alliances.
However, Su noted that although some Americans consider China a rival, it remains uncertain whether the move was aimed at China.
"It should be seen in the context of the development of U.S.-Myanmar ties over the past decades," said Liu .
Obama's announcement followed a meeting between Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Obama in Washington on September 14 when Suu Kyi called for an end to economic sanctions, according to Reuters.
"While Burma faces significant challenges, including the consolidation of its democracy, the U.S. can and intends to use other means to support the government and people of Burma in their efforts to address these challenges," Obama said.
The U.S. Treasury Department said economic and financial sanctions were no longer in effect after Obama's announcement, and the lifting would further support Myanmar's trade and economic growth, according to Reuters.
"Suu Kyi has been adjusting the national development strategy and seeking to restore Myanmar's ties with Western countries since she took office in November. Meanwhile, the U.S. also wants to draw Myanmar over to its side as part of its Asia-Pacific rebalancing strategy," Gu noted.
