US-Myanmar Relations: Japan Should Support Strategic Democratization

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Myanmar represents a significant step toward normalizing the hitherto icy relations between the two countries.

It was the first time that a U.S. secretary of state visited Myanmar in approximately 50 years, and it was a shift away from policies that have been largely centered around sanctions since the 1988 coup d’etat.

After a discussion with Myanmar President Thein Sein, in which Clinton welcomed the political and economic reforms that have taken place since the change of government this spring, she called for further steps toward democracy, such as the release of the country’s remaining political prisoners.

Clinton informed Thein Sein that the United States is considering an upgrade of diplomatic relations with Myanmar from charge d’affairs to full ambassadorial status and mentioned plans to support economic assessment missions by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. She also said that the U.S. might consider lifting its economic sanctions on the country, provided the reforms continue.

The U.S. further demanded that the Myanmar government under Thein Sein continue to take measures geared toward the democratization of the country, such as allowing its iconic pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to participate in national politics, carrying out fair parliamentary elections and ceasing its fighting with ethnic minorities within Myanmar.

The U.S. is striving to normalize its relations with Myanmar as part of its new Asia strategy. The decision is based on a desire for increased cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in security and economic matters, in order to restrict China’s ever-growing dominance in the region.

Myanmar, which connects South Asia with Southeast Asia and acts as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, is of great strategic importance to both China and the U.S.

The Obama administration is aiming to create closer ties between the U.S. and Myanmar, which has become more and more reliant on China while being subject to economic sanctions by the West.

In response to these efforts from the U.S., Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping recently invited Myanmar’s military leaders to Beijing and pledged his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

The new Myanmar government has begun to move away from the “complete devotion to China” maintained during the junta era. Not only does this represent an attempt to alter Myanmar’s current position as the poorest ASEAN member nation, it also shows that the government is considering the further benefits to be gained from balancing its relations with China and the U.S.

Discussing the security situation in Asia, Clinton told Thein Sein that it is indispensable for Myanmar to cooperate with the international community in relation to nuclear non-proliferation. She also called for the country’s military ties with North Korea, which is steadily advancing its nuclear program, to be severed. The latter point is also of great importance to Japan.

Japan is planning to send its foreign minister, Koichiro Gemba, to Myanmar before the end of the year.

There are various fields in which Japan can support Myanmar in order to assist its reform and democratization. These include technical support for Myanmar’s agricultural sector and legislation, as well as the development of resources. Both Myanmar and Japan would benefit from a strategic diplomatic relationship.