Foreign relations of Myanmar
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International disputes
There is sporadic conflict with Thailand over the alignment of the border.
Illicit drugs
Myanmar is the world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan (potential production in 1999 - 1,090 metric tons, down 38% due to drought; cultivation in 1999 - 895 km³, a 31% decline from 1998); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; Myanmar is becoming a major source of methamphetamines for regional consumption.
Chinese Ties
The People's Republic of China withdrew support for the long running insurgency of the Communist Part of Burma in 1986. They subsequently switched sides and began selling the military junta with the majority of its arms in exchange for increased access to Burmese markets and a navy base on Coco Island in the Andaman Sea. The influx of Chinese arms turned the tide in Burma against the ethnic insurgencies, many of which had relied indirectly on Chinese complicity. As a result the military junta of Burma is highly reliant on the Chinese for their currently high level of power.
Relations with India
As a result of increased Chinese influence in Burma as well as the safe haven and arms trafficking occurring along the Indo-Burmese border India has sought in recent years to shore up ties with the military junta. Numerous economic arrangement have been established including a roadway connecting the isolated provinces of Northeastern India with Mandalay which opens up trade with China, Burma, and gives access to the Burmese ports.