A commentary in the exiled Burmese publication Irawaddy discusses China’s relationship with Burma (aka Myanmar):
Earlier this month, Burma’s generals rolled out the red carpet for visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and reaffirmed the two countries’ paukphaw (fraternal) relationship.
In a statement issued on June 8, junta strongman Snr-Gen Than Shwe stressed that the two countries have established “a strategic relationship,” a term that can be interpreted as “a strategic alliance of the two countries in political, economic and security issues.”
Although this kind of alliance between two neighboring countries is normal in terms of economic cooperation, a China-Burma strategic relationship could significantly alter the balance of security in the region.
