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NEWS- International Affairs: Burma



Subject: NEWS- International Affairs: Burma & its Allies

International Affairs: Burma & its Allies
14th July 1999

                       When we talk  about the international relations
related to Burma, we cannot sideline China at all. China has been quite
a
supporter of Burma receiving technological transfer and interest-free
loans
and technical assistance and intelligence trainings. China and Burma do
share intelligence with each other.Burma , in the national interest of
the
United States , is a strategic zone for the United States , the
adversary of
PRC. On the other hand ASEAN does not have good relations with China. 
You
all have noticed how the CIA agents approached Khun Sa before he turned
himself  in to the Burmese government. If you would like to play well on
the
international stage in revolting against  the Burmese military  regime,
you
have got to know the international  relations like your pocket. Thailand
can
be the Chair of the ASEAN for the next round. Why the democratically
elected
Burmese  opposition and the international community have not tried
anything
effective to influence the Thai government is a question left
unanswered.

Thailand plays a more pivotal role in the ASEAN/Burma game more than any
other member nation. Thailand is always cautious in its policy toward
Burma.
Thailand has always been cautious about the provokings of the military
junata in Burma. The more cautious it is, the more favourable the policy
becomes. For the democratic Burmese opposition it is a bad omen. As a
matter
of fact, Thailand is rather a democratic country in Southeast Asia
despite
frequent coups that interrupt the growing economy. Very favourably for
the
Burmese opposition , the role of the military in Thai politics is
fading.
Recent political  upheaval in Indonesia made the Burmese  military
brasshats
think twice about its copycat  economic reforms a la militaire. India on
the
other hand was in favour of the democratic Burmese opposition. After
second
thoughts on trade and security concerns, Indian leadership seems to have
changed their mind to prescribe a favourable policy towards the military
government in Burma. Nowadays the two governments exchange intelligence.
Bangladesh has never examined its policy toward Burma. Burma does not
seem
to be concerned about Bangladesh either save  the Rohinja problem. Laos
does

not seem to count for the Burmese authorities.

On the whole China, ASEAN nations [ Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam], and India seem to be
quite a
combined force deterring the Burmese democratic process commenced by the
1988 student generation. There is no doubt that these are the nation
states
that are enemies of the democratic forces trying to bring freedom and
democracy in Burma. On the other hand the democratic forces have allies
like
the United States, EU and the UN. Whose strategy  should be enhanced is
so
obvious. Knowledge is power but to act is an auspicious step toward a
volatile politcal climate.