Expert Raises Alarm Over Chinese Security Firms Turning Myanmar into a 'Client State'

Synopsis

A security expert warns that the rise of Chinese security firms in Myanmar could lead to significant risks, potentially transforming the country into a 'client state' under Chinese influence, affecting its sovereignty and regional dynamics.

Key Takeaways

Expert warns of Chinese firms impacting Myanmar's sovereignty.
Chinese security companies primarily staffed by ex-military.
Myanmar's location is strategic for China's oil imports.
New laws facilitate Chinese security presence in Myanmar.
China aims to secure interests through Myanmar's private security laws.

Naypyidaw, Mar 1 (NationPress) A leading authority on security issues in Southeast Asia, particularly concerning Myanmar, expressed serious concerns regarding the increasing assertiveness of Chinese influence in the region.

Miemie Winn Byrd, a security expert from the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies (APCSS), warned that the influx of Chinese security firms in Myanmar under the military junta's private security regulations poses a significant risk of transforming the nation into a 'client state'.

Byrd informed Myanmar's prominent media outlet, Irrawaddy, that the presence of these companies is fraught with danger, given that they are predominantly staffed by former members of the Chinese military.

According to Byrd, “These Chinese firms can easily influence both the political and economic landscapes of Myanmar, jeopardizing the nation's sovereignty.” She elaborated on this point during a detailed interview with Irrawaddy.

Byrd criticized the current regime for engaging in transactions with Chinese firms for short-term benefits, highlighting that Myanmar's strategic location provides China with an alternative route to mitigate their Malacca Strait vulnerabilities.

“Eighty percent of China's oil imports transit through the Malacca Strait, making them susceptible during conflicts. Therefore, they are seeking ways to circumvent this route, and Myanmar serves as their primary solution. The growing Chinese presence in Myanmar would consequently facilitate their dominance in the Indo-Pacific,” she explained.

The military junta of Myanmar enacted the 'Private Security Services Law' in February, allowing Chinese private security entities to operate within the country. This legislation is designed to safeguard China's interests in Myanmar, including projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This law has been tailored specifically to benefit China, which has consistently pressured the military government to ensure the protection of Chinese investments and personnel in Myanmar. Additionally, China proposed the establishment of a joint venture security firm and has decided to deploy its security organizations to Myanmar for safeguarding its interests. The legislation permits Chinese security firms to formally set up their operations throughout Myanmar, where numerous Chinese projects are located, as reported by Irrawaddy.