Myanmar, Don’t Retreat from Democracy

Secretary of State Clinton visited Myanmar to meet with President Thein Sein and the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi. A U.S. secretary of state hasn’t visited the country in 57 years.

Since the democratic reforms in March of this year, Myanmar’s government has shown a change in attitude toward instating democracy by releasing certain political prisoners and subsequent talks with political prisoner, Suu Kyi. It is these changes that prompted the historic visit from the U.S. secretary of state.

The image of two female leaders embracing each other has garnered international attention and made a lasting impression.

At the press conference following her meeting with the president, Clinton showed support for the reforms that are progressing in the Myanmar government. At the same time, Clinton called for peaceful resolutions with armed minorities and the immediate, unconditional release of political prisoners. If these forward-thinking reforms continue, Clinton said the U.S. would consider elevating the status of foreign relations with Myanmar by exchanging ambassadors.

After the suppression of democratic reforms in 1988, the U.S. criticized the military regime of Myanmar and has consistently taken tough measures against the country, including sanctions.

With the current visit, both countries have taken the first big step in improving relations. But this isn’t just between these two countries. Rather, it is a step to help the deeply isolated country of Myanmar gain a foothold in the international community.

However, democratic reforms have only just begun. The U.S. will have to confirm the sincerity of their reforms and will proceed cautiously with removing sanctions. The international community will have to support the country as talks continue, while also making sure there are no u-turns on its path to democracy.

Both the U.S.’ and Myanmar’s intentions can be clearly seen in the recent turn toward building better relations.

President Obama is working on a new strategy that has made the role and presence of the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific region its top priority. The U.S. would like to fill the leading role in the new order in the area, where it is keeping a close watch on China’s rise. With that in mind, it can be surmised that the U.S. intends to deepen its influence in Myanmar while pushing for democratic changes.

On the other hand, Myanmar has also deepened its relationship with China in response to the sanctions that had been imposed by the U.S. But in comparison to the economic growth of neighboring countries, Myanmar has developed little. In light of Myanmar’s new ties with the U.S., it is apparent that Myanmar’s foreign strategy is to reconsider its complete devotion to China.

ASEAN has decided to make Myanmar the seat for their 2014 meeting. Myanmar is located in a geographically important position between Indonesia and China, and also has abundant natural resources. The international situation with regards to Myanmar will largely change.

How will Japan respond? Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko told President Thein Sein in November that he plans to reopen the long-suspended Official Development Assistance (ODA). At the end of this month Foreign Minister Genba Kouichirou is also scheduled to visit Myanmar.

However, Suu Kyi has criticized Japan’s aid in the past, saying, “It appears that they are more concerned with their relationship with the government than their relationship with the citizens.”

If ODA is reopened, it must push forward democratic changes while at the same time improving the life of the country’s impoverished citizens, which has occurred due to the oppression by the military regime.