"China?s rise means the US will turn a blind eye to Burma?s limited democracy, writes Gareth Robinson... The recent upholding of constitutional rules preventing Aung San Suu Kyi from running in Burma?s 2015 presidential elections has prompted some strong criticism from Western governments. However, it is unlikely to damage America?s resolve to continue engaging with the country for one reason in particular; China?s rising power in the region. In a recent article for The Irrawaddy, journalist and long-time Burma hand Bertil Lintner argued that Western governments may be more interested in re-establishing defence ties with Burma?s military, the Tatmadaw, than with pursuing political and human rights issues. It is an argument supported by the State Department?s muted response to Aung San Suu Kyi?s continued barring from presidential elections. Although the department did issue a statement calling for constitutional reforms to be adopted, there was no threat of introducing new sanctions or of downgrading diplomatic ties. The US?s continuing support for the Burmese hybrid civilian-military government is a clear sign that Washington?s concern over China?s growing regional presence is of greater importance than democratic reform. In the past China has exerted a great deal of influence over Burma. After much of the world abandoned the country due to the annulment of democratic elections in 1990, China continued to provide significant economic and military aid to keep Burma afloat. This wasn?t resisted by the US because it did not perceive strong strategic interests in the country after the end of the Cold War. Since the opening of Burma to external economic and political input after the 2010 national elections, China has lost its exclusive access to the country. Now, Burma may become a rook in America?s attempts to mediate Chinese expansion...Given the time and attention, Burma could become one of America?s middle power partners in Asia. But this may cost the US its commitment to seeing the country become a fully functional and effective democracy..."