Topic: Near But Not Dear: Burma’s Recognition of New China and the Origins of Contemporary Sino-Burmese Relations
Time and Date: 22 February 2023, 13:00-14:00 pm
Venue: Room TSI109, TSI Building, North Campus
Near But Not Dear: Burma’s Recognition of New China and the Origins of Contemporary Sino-Burmese Relations
The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Burma is the starting point of contemporary Sino-Burmese relations. Burma basically decided to recognize the imminent CCP regime as early as December 1948. Eventually, after it was established that Britain and India would soon recognize New China, Burma recognized the People’s Republic of China on 16 December 1949, thus becoming the first non-socialist country to do so. However, due to mutual distrust and precaution against each other, it was not until 8 June 1950 that the two countries formally established diplomatic relations. Historical memories, geopolitics and ideologies jointly shaped Sino-Burmese relations before and after the establishment of diplomatic ties. They suppressed the pursuit of national interests such as economic and trade relations and political exchanges between the two countries. Besides, Sino-Burmese relations during this period were by no means purely bilateral, with third parties such as Britain, India and the Soviet Union constantly playing important roles. However, 1953 saw a marked warming of relations as China’s foreign policy began to emphasize peaceful coexistence, and Burma began to pursue neutralism in its approach to foreign relations.
Liang, Zhi 梁志, PhD, is a professor of history in the Institute for Studies of China’s Neighboring Countries and Regions (History Department) at East China Normal University, Shanghai. His research interests are US policy toward the Korean peninsula and Sino-Burmese relations. He is the author of The Cold War and Intelligence: A History of US Decision-making During the Pueblo Crisis (World Affairs Press, 2014) and The Cold War and “Nation Building”: US Role in the Process of Political and Economic Development of the ROK (Social Sciences Literature Press, 2011). His articles appear in English and Chinese academic journals such as Diplomatic History, World History Studies, Asian Perspective, and The China Review.
