The Pipeline Dynamics in the Sino-Myanmar Honeymoon: Regional Contention and Strategic Fallout

Oil and gas seems to be the prime factor in China’s current approach towards Myanmar, and this is very much in contrast to the earlier Chinese approach. Without really worrying about international reactions over Myanmar’s domestic affairs, China seems to have decided to engage Myanmar as a regional strategic ally more vigorously. While the Chinese seem to maximise its interests having a celebratory period with Myanmar, it provides Myanmar some options to revitalise its regional posture while engaging with major powers like the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Strategic fallout of this relationship is massive, as India have reasons to worry. The current pipeline project is one of these cases.