Analysis | How a massive influx of Chinese migrants has changed Myanmar’s second-largest city Mandalay
The makeover of Mandalay reflects a Chinese footprint across Southeast Asia that has grown alongside Beijing’s economic and military clout
Myanmar’s last royal capital harboured the most learned Buddhist monks and exquisite artists, citizens speaking the most refined Burmese and cooks who prepared the best curries in the land. Mandalay was rhapsodised as the nation’s cultural core.
Today, along the grand moat of the former royal palace, Chinese music rings out as people perform tai chi exercises, a sign of an uneasy transformation taking place in Myanmar’s second-largest city.
This once quintessential Burmese metropolis, residents say, is losing its traditions as a massive influx of Chinese migrants reshapes it in their own likeness.
“I feel that I am no longer a resident of Mandalay,” said Nyi Nyi Zaw, a 30-year-old journalist, adding that problems between Burmese and Chinese caused by the changing dynamics have become a staple of his reporting.
“They (Chinese people) look like the residents. They have money, so they have the power.”
This makeover of Mandalay – located about 300 kilometres (185 miles) from China’s Yunnan province and at the crossroads of trade, transport and smuggling routes – reflects a Chinese footprint across Southeast Asia that has grown alongside Beijing’s economic and military clout.
