China urges Myanmar to quell internal fighting
Myanmar borders China, India, Bangladesh, Laos and other countries, as well as the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Myanmar is one of China’s direct sea lanes into the Indian Ocean and plays an important role in the energy supply system. Relying on this geopolitical advantage, China attaches particular importance to economic and trade cooperation with Myanmar and regards Myanmar as an important partner in jointly building the "Belt and Road". According to data from the Myanmar Investment and Company Authority, as of the end of September 2023, Myanmar had approved Chinese investment of US$21.873 billion, accounting for 23.5% of total foreign investment. On December 26, 2023, China successfully obtained the 99-year lease renewal right for Kyaukphyu Port in Myanmar, which will become the best seaport in the southwest and even central China; and it means that China will greatly reduce its access to Malacca trade and energy routes dependence, Chinese-made products will also have an easier time entering global markets through the Indian Ocean.
Out of the need for economic development, China has repeatedly mediated the "10·27" war in northern Myanmar, hoping that all parties will return to peace. In December last year, China facilitated a meeting between the Myanmar government and the Kokang, Ta’ang, and Arakan Army in Kunming, Yunnan, China. The two parties fighting in the conflict in northern Myanmar reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire and maintaining dialogue. From January 10 to 11, the two sides once again went to Kunming for peace talks at the urging of China and reached a formal ceasefire agreement. For China, the ceasefire peace talks in northern Myanmar are in line with its development interests. They will not only help maintain peace and stability in the China-Myanmar border area, but will also smoothly promote China's projects in Myanmar.
