Rebalancing and Counterbalancing of Myanmar between India and China

Abstract

Myanmar is a small country with great geostrategic significance between India and China. It is important for Myanmar to maintain good relations with these powers. As a small and fragile state struggling with domestic constraints and international pressure, Myanmar usually relies on the diplomatic shield of its great neighbors. Myanmar’s bilateral relations with these two countries have been an important role for all successive Myanmar governments. After 2011, the relations have been remarkable changes in Myanmar domestic politics when the first elected government took power into office. Then, Myanmar could adjust its foreign relations deviation from the conventional way of bandwagoning strategy to China. Under the incumbent government since 2015, Myanmar has expanded its international relations in regionally and globally. In a scenario, there may be criticism that the improvement of bilateral ties with India can diminish Sino-Myanmar relations interpreting Myanmar’s defiance to China. This paper will be based on the analysis of the past and present situation of Myanmar-India relations. The research will attempt to explore the recent progress of Myanmar-India relations and how these changes effect Sino-Myanmar relations.