Research On Japan's Official Development Assistance During The Democratic Transition Period In Myanmar (2011-2017)

Japan's ODA(official development assistance)covers almost the entire world and it is far-reaching in Myanmar.This article sorts out the main relationship vein between Japan and Myanmar by historical analysis method.The origins of Japan and Myanmar can be traced back to the Thailand's Ayutthaya Dynasty in the 16 th century.After Japan won the victory of the Russo-Japanese War,they were deeply welcomed by the people of Myanmar.The formal diplomatic relations between the two countries started in the Pacific War.At the beginning,Japan and Myanmar jointly fight against the British troops.After they defeated the British troops,Japan chose to permanently station and control Myanmar.Such disguised aggression inflicted damage on the Burmese people.After the war,Japan repaid 100 billion Japanese yen to Myanmar in an effort to make up for the traumatic war.As such,Japan's official development assistance in Myanmar began.Later,due to the influence of domestic politics in Myanmar,Japan's ODA was temporarily suspended.It was not until 2011 when Burma's democratically elected government took power that Japan decided to restart its ODA to Myanmar..Almost all ODA projects were stopped during the disruption of ODA to Myanmar,and the amount of ODA started to rise sharply in 2011.The time period selected in this article is from 2011 to 2017,which is more valuable for reference because of greatly enhanced ODA data.This article analyzes the substantial investment of Japan's ODA to Myanmar by comparative analysis and inductive method,assessing the current situation of Japan's ODA to Myanmar from 2011,and further analyzes the experience of Japan's ODA to Myanmar and its enlightenment to China.This article argues that Japan's ODA to Myanmar is based on four considerations: resource factors,the influence of the Japan-US alliance,shaping its own image and its humanitarianism.Because Japan can acquire resources from the Middle East and Indonesia,this article considers that the acquisition of resources is not the main purpose of its aid assistance.Humanitarianism,as an real assistance that should not be ignored,can be listed as a reference item.The most important factor is Japan's consideration of the Japan-US alliance and the pursuit of international prestige.This paper summarizes Japan's ODA in Myanmar as four major categories through the analysis of individual cases of aid: Firstly,a complete assistance system including the administrative process in which each department checks and meticulous service attitude.Secondly,give play to the role of other actors in ODA such as cooperation with UNICEF,UNHCR,and NGOs.Thirdly,attaching importance to the development of the donor country.That is starting from the urgent need of the p roject through a solid initial inspection,and avoiding the formation of a dependent culture according to local conditions.Fourthly,infiltration of soft power.The influence exerted by Japan in the process of assisting Myanmar has increased Japan's position in the hearts of the Burmese people.Myanmar is close to China's Yunnan Province.In Chinese people's mind,the relationship between Myanmar and China is closer than the relationship between Myanmar and Japan.But a series of foreign aid projects carried out by China in Myanmar are frequently blocked.In contrast,Japan's ODA to Myanmar is in an orderly manner.Although China and Japan have different national conditions,the experience of Japan's ODA to Myanmar can also provide some reference to China's foreign aid.This article suggests that China's foreign aid should increase collaboration with other groups,information disclosure and legalize the foreign aid.