Myanmar War, Why It’s China’s Achilles Heel
Myanmar civil war has major ramifications for China and the world at large. China wants access to Myanmar ports due to their proximity to the strait, as it gives them an easier way of moving Chinese goods in parts of the country that aren’t anywhere near their own domestic ports, as well as a secondary stop for their African bound shipments. Militarily with close access to the strait, it allows naval forces access to the entire Indian and Atlantic Ocean, and with growing tensions between India and China, it’s a strategically vital coastline for both nations to project power.
Arguably more important however, are Myanmar’s large deposits of rare earth metals, critical for the manufacturing of complex electrical components from smart phones to guidance systems for hypersonic missiles. China needs these resources in order to keep its technology production afloat as they currently stand as the world’s largest producer and refiner of rare earth minerals. This, to China, is not an economic edge that they can afford to lose.
To take advantage of both mining, and coastal access, Myanmar was an early target for China’s Belt and Road initiative. China began the construction of desperately needed infrastructure, new cities, as well as a deep water port in Kyaukphyu, which would allow them to bypass the strait of Malacca for oil importation.
#EXPLORE #CHINA #WAR
Credit to : Task & Purpose
