The Effect Of Ethnic Conflict On The Security Of Sino-Myanmar Oil&Gas Pipelines

The Malacca Strait has long been very important to the marine transportation of Chinese oil import.And the security of Malacca Strait plays an significant role in Chinese energy security.In order to break the Malacca Dilemma,the Chinese government has constructed three pipelines on land in different periods of time.Among which,the Sino-Myanmar pipeline helps the Chinese oil carriers make detour to avoid the Malacca Strait and transport oil and gas back to China directly through the pipelines.The Sino-Myanmar pipeline will not only bring economic income to China and Myanmar,but also enhance the political interests between these two countries.The Buddhist and Muslim in Rakhine and Mandalay clash with each other from time to time because of the religious issues.And there are many rebel groups in Shan who combat with Myanmar government for a long time.The reasons to all these conflicts are very complicated,which includes not only the involvements of America,India and Japan,but also the domestic political situation of Myanmar and national identity of ethnic minorities.The associative problems such as violent and terrorist activities,unbalanced distribution of economic interest,which would impose a direct effect on the security of Sino-Myanmar pipelines.The ultimate aim of this paper is to offer practical measures to maintain the security of Sino-Myanmar pipelines by analyzing the ethnic conflicts in Myanmar and its possible problems that will impose on the pipelines.The inspiration of Sino-Myanmar oil & gas pipelines will be of great importance to the prevention of disputes in other transnational pipelines.In order to attain this aim,the Chinese government needs to enhance the cooperation and exchange of economy,politics and culture with Myanmar.And China should play an active role in solving ethnic conflicts of Myanmar.It is necessary for the enterprise to get a sound information-gathering and have rich knowledge in local law.Meanwhile,the enterprise should take social responsibilities.Last but not least,it is important for the enterprise learn how to use law as a tool to protect its interests whenever there is dispute.