The Japan-Myanmar Relations In The Context Of The Democratic Transformation In Myanmar

Myanmar is a small country in population and GDP,with great geopolitical significance.As a model country of democratic transition in the "Pivot Back" strategy of the US,Myanmar is also a pivot country to the "One Belt One Road" initiative of China,the threshold for India to stretch beyond the India Ocean,as well as the practice place for Japan to realize the dream of becoming a major political power.At present,Myanmar is in the process of democratic transition.Japan grasps this opportunity to strengthen Japan-Myanmar bilateral relationship.While doing this,Japan pays attentions to the interests of two nations,which will have the impacts on China's relationship with neighboring countries and China's diplomatic strategies.Therefore,the research will explore Japan-Myanmar bilateral relationship during the democratic transition period of Myanmar and try to present several suggestions for China's countermeasures.This research will be conducted from three aspects including politics,economy and culture.In term of political relationship,Japan has been trying to close the political ties with Myanmar during the process of democratic transition.And the National League for Democracy has always been supported by Japanese government.In the meanwhile,the political heritage between Japan and Myanmar will make a positive effect on the modem bilateral relationship.In term of economic relationship,the official development assistance(ODA)has always been the main tool for Japanese government to develop Japan-Myanmar relationship since the end of World War ?.Specifically speaking,Japanese government exempts economic debt from Myanmar,increases the private investments in Myanmar,and denotes tremendous economic and humanity assistance to Myanmar.In term of cultural relationship,Japan implements Japanese education in Myanmar and promotes the influence of Japanese culture.The bilateral cultural communication in the level of ordinary people has been strengthened in a great extend as well.Two characteristics highlight the development of Japan-Myanmar bilateral relationship.Firstly,the economic interaction dominates the bilateral relationship/Secondly,America plays a significant role out of the Japan-Myanmar relationship.Besides,the balance of military and democratic power within Myanmar makes a difference.So does the weight of Myanmar policy in the comprehensive diplomatic strategy of Japan.The geopolitical choices of ASEAN members impact as well.Under the joint effects of these factors above,Japan has strengthened the political cooperation with Myanmar,intensified the economic assistance to Myanmar and promoted the dependency of Myanmar to Japan in terms of economy and mass emotion by private sectors and civil society organization,since the beginning of democratic transition of Myanmar.All these updates bring about great changes to not only Myanmar and Japan themselves,but also the geopolitical situation of ASEAN countries and China.The effort of Japan to strengthen relations with Myanmar has some other goals,besides for pursuing its own national interest.On the one hand,as the most significant ally of US in Asia-Pacific region,Japan will coordinate with US and help US pivot back to Asia-pacific region.On the other hand,Japan is containing Chinese influence to ASEAN countries as well as "One Belt One Road" initiative to connect mainland with the Inia Ocean.As Japan is making more efforts to strengthen Japan-Myanmar relationship,this research tries to propose several suggestions for Chinese diplomatic efforts to Myanmar,including to continue the positive effect of economic attraction,to deepen the cooperation with NLD and Myanmar government,to strengthen the crisis control of border conflicts,to coordinate the peace talks among Myanmar and ethnic local armed forces and to upgrade the people-to-people diplomacy and cultural diplomacy between China and Myanmar.Besides,the voice of China must be heard.The sense of Gain for Myanmar people must be concerned.The diplomatic strategy of"Intimate,Integrity,Reciprocity,Inclusive" must be insisted.