Arakan Army commander-in-chief is expected to enhance relationship with Beijing
An expert on Chinese affairs believes that majorgeneral Twan Mrat Naing, commander-in-chief of Arakan Army (AA) will do hisbest to build a relationship with the China government in Beijing.
Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw, the expert, made this commentresponding to queries of Narinjara News over China's relationship with theUnited League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), following the increasing pressurefrom Beijing on ethnic armed organizations in northern Myanmar.
"China maintains a relationship with the AA.However, the AA cannot comply whenever Beijing makes a demand. I see that theyare managing the situation with flexibility to maintain their effectiverelationship,” said Hla Kyaw Zaw.
He stated that while the relationship with China isdifficult to maintain, the resistance forces need to build connections in all possible ways.
"The AA is exploring various opportunities toachieve a sustained relationship with Beijing. The political fraternity andresistance forces need to establish good relationships," stated Hla KyawZaw.
They should also establish relationships withthe neighboring countries regardless of the situation there and learn to engagethemselves with these connections while building ties with China as well,asserted Hla Kyaw Zaw.
"Arakan needs to build relationships withBangladesh, India and China. Through the process, they may learn how to dealwith those nations,” opined Hla Kyaw Zaw.
In an interview with Irrawaddy News, major generalTwan Mrat Naing observed that the junta's navy personnel hold a strongerposition. They may pose a serious challenge to the AA fighters.
The AA operates in regions which are not close to theChina border. So any pressure from Beijing may not arise as a serious concern.However many Chinese projects are located in Arakan State and hence therelationship between Beijing and the AA is interdependent.
The AA assured that it will protect Chinese projectsand concerned employees in the Arakan region. But it has officially announcedthat the AA fighters will continue attacking Kyaukphyu town, where anumber of Chinese projects are located.
Beijing recently announced that it will not interferein Myanmar's internal affairs. However, the Chinese administration is providingsupport in preventing the collapse of Myanmar military regime. It’s alsoapplying pressure on armed resistance groups in different ways. As a result,anti-China demonstrations organized by exiled Burmese citizens have recentlybroken out in a few western nations, including the USA.
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