Dragon on the move

China's global expansion is well-known, and Myanmar is a key area of interest. Given their shared 2,000 km border, it's no surprise that Beijing prioritises both economic influence and national security in the region. 'China in the World' podcast by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace features discussions with scholars and former policymakers on China's foreign policy, evolving global role and international relations.

In the episode China and Myanmar, host Ian Chong talks to academics Moe Thuzar and Shona Loong about various aspects of the relationship. Chong is a non-resident scholar at Carnegie China, while Thuzar is a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Loong, a scholar of Southeast Asian politics, provides insights into Myanmar's political landscape.

The discussion covers Beijing's interests in Myanmar, state of the China-Myanmar border, Chinese investments and China's stance on Myanmar's civil war. They examine how different actors engage with China over the conflict. Role of the cybercrime industry also comes up, along with Beijing's broader strategic calculations, with the episode concluding on how China might play a constructive role in Myanmar's future.