Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 7 Overview
MoeMaKa, February 8, 2025
China’s Statement on Non-Interference in Myanmar’s Internal Affairs
A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated during a press conference that China adheres to a policy of non-interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs. China views Myanmar as a close and friendly neighbor and supports its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. This statement was made on February 7.
For decades, China has had significant influence over ethnic armed groups involved in armed conflicts in northern Shan State. While there is no concrete evidence to publicly prove China’s involvement in trade and covert arms support, ethnic armed organizations and local communities in the region have long been aware of its influence. After 2012, during peace negotiations held in Naypyidaw and Yunnan, China exerted pressure on some northern Shan ethnic armed groups to participate in the peace talks.
The Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), an alliance of northern and northeastern Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups, has in the past traveled to Naypyidaw for peace conferences, such as the Panglong Peace Conference, using flights from Chinese territory. This suggests that China has had influence and leverage over ethnic armed groups along its border with Myanmar for decades. The Myanmar military has historically viewed China with suspicion regarding its involvement in these conflicts.
Beyond recent decades, China also played a deep and long-standing role in Myanmar’s internal conflicts. For over 70 years, China provided extensive support to the Communist Party of Burma, which led to a history of distrust between the Myanmar military and China.
During the initial phase of Operation 1027, ethnic armed groups quickly captured towns, leading the Myanmar military junta to strongly suspect Chinese backing, whether through direct support or arms sales. The Myanmar military believed that the MNDAA (Kokang group) could not have seized all of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone without Chinese arms supplies. Operation 1027’s first phase was halted following Chinese intervention, and when the second phase resumed months later, China had shifted its stance to support the Myanmar junta, concerned about the growing strength and territorial control of ethnic armed groups. These shifts reflect changes in China’s foreign policy approach.
China’s main interest in Myanmar’s internal affairs revolves around maintaining border stability and securing its key economic projects, such as the oil and gas pipeline, the planned Yunnan-Rakhine deep-sea port, and the Kyaukphyu railway project.
China’s claim of non-interference raises questions about how it defines interference. Its efforts to mediate ceasefire talks with ethnic armed groups along its border and its diplomatic and military support for the Myanmar junta suggest an active role rather than strict non-interference.
Another key factor is China’s desire to prevent ethnic armed groups in Myanmar from aligning with Western nations that could challenge Chinese influence. Like other major powers, China seeks to limit the presence of rival geopolitical influences in its neighboring countries.
Given these factors, China is expected to continue engaging pragmatically with Myanmar’s government and armed groups to safeguard its economic and security interests. Diplomatic statements on non-interference often serve as rhetoric rather than a reflection of reality, as ongoing events indicate China’s significant influence over Myanmar’s affairs.