Issues
Many see the suspension of the Myitsone dam project as a victory for those who want to preserve the environment. But it is more than just listening to the views of local residents and conservationists. The dam project became a key issue for Myanmar as it began to build closer ties with the United States and other Western nations, after previously co-operating with China on development schemes.
The perception that Myanmar relies on China might not be correct, says Dr Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a researcher at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. 'The picture of China having influence over Myanmar is not the case. China is reliant on Myanmar, rather than the other way round. Myanmar is free to manage its domestic and international relations.
'I have heard many complaints within Myanmar about the extent to which China has exploited locals. The failure of the Chinese state in educating Chinese state-owned companies to be responsible in business could cost China enormous economic opportunities in Southeast Asia.'
In February, China overtook Thailand as the biggest investor in Myanmar, having poured US$9.6 billion into the country since 1988, compared with US$9.56 billion from Thailand, according to a Myanmese publication, Weekly Eleven.
At the time Myanmese President Thein Sein announced the suspension of the Myitsone dam, Myanmar had been reaching out to the US, India and Thailand.
On September 30 last year, in a rare visit to Washington, Myanmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin held a productive meeting with Derek Mitchell, the new US policy coordinator for Myanmar, and other US officials. This followed Mitchell's visit to Myanmar earlier that month.