My Hope for More Democracy in Myanmar

“These are beginning steps, and we are prepared to go even further if reforms maintain momentum. In that spirit, we are discussing what it will take to upgrade diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors,” said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she met with Myanmar President Thein Sein. In effect, this would mean a change from a temporary chargé d’affaires to a full ambassadorial exchange.

A lift in economic sanctions could be close. I want this to be a great opportunity that pushes forward democracy in Myanmar.

However, this is the same country where democratic efforts always take one step forward and one step back. My hope is that the Myanmar government will seriously consider the international community’s hopes for them and speed up their efforts to democratize the country.

In November, at the resumption of an official development assistance meeting, Japan and the United States expressed that the people of Myanmar, who are under a military government, have a large responsibility. These nations hope to push forward democratic reforms while carefully looking at the developing situation.

At the beginning of the year, the Myanmar government began discussions on democratic efforts, released a political prisoner and softened media regulations. Japan, the United States and Europe took this as a sign of improving relations.

Yet, the memories are still fresh of a military Myanmar government, which unexpectedly removed reformist President Khin Nyunt in 2004. The vice presidents, who were conservatives, were dissatisfied with “excessive compromises” for the sake of democratic efforts. Optimistic attitudes were taboo. Japan, the U.S. and Europe will have to be cautious by distributing aid a little at a time.

Secretary Clinton presented assistance measures for democratic efforts after meeting with democratic reform leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The contents of the assistance measures included humanitarian aid, measures to counteract poverty, assistance for landmine victims, and the expansion of microcredit operations for minorities.

That being said, the hidden reason for the United States’ change has to be its goal of containing China. Up until now, Myanmar has been one of China’s three sworn allies, alongside Pakistan and North Korea. China appears to be very sensitive to Myanmar’s and the United States’ sudden closeness.

The U.S. and China should not cause any unnecessary problems between themselves and Myanmar. I hope that they do not plant any seeds of discord in Asia by focusing too much on their own interests.

Japan, the U.S. and Europe have rushed over here to give aid, but their hidden desire to obtain Myanmar’s rich natural resources appears now and again.

However, the most important matter is human rights for the minorities and citizens of Myanmar who have received persecution under the military government. I hope that each country does not rush to a game of “resource plundering” but, instead, cooperates and stimulates the fledgling democratic movement.