5:04 PM
09/04/09
In Myanmar fighting has occurred against rebels from a Chinese speaking ethnic group Kokang. The fighting between ethnic groups has been an reoccurring discrepancy since June, when Myanmar's military defeated Karen Christians. The junta or Myanmar's military has been feuding with these ethnic groups in hope of adopting a new Constitution next year. Several Kokang rebels have fled to China to escape the junta. Although the Myanmar government has signed many previous cease-fire agreements with ethnic groups in the past, Myanmar's government has not stopped the fighting completely, with influence from Sri Lanka to continue the fighting. The fighting with the Kokang has interfered with Myanmar's relationship with China, who has warned Myanmar in the past to keep the peace. Also, China plays a major role in Myanmar's economy and helps to represent them in the United Nations. It has been said that Myanmar wanted to prove their independence to China.
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is still a growing nation. One of the poorest and least industrialized nations, Myanmar is still struggling to become a stable nation. With help from many outside nations, including China, I was surprised that Myanmar's military would attack an Chinese ethnic group. Although Myanmar is trying to seek Independence, the decisions to attack ethnic groups were still influenced by other countries such as Sri Lanka. Without the help from China, Myanmar would lose investments, and some of their representation in the United Nations. I feel that it is important for Myanmar to be able to have their independence but this ultimately effects the people of Myanmar, not just their government. Hopefully Myanmar will be able to stick to their cease-fire agreements in order to prevent the divisions of the ethnic groups and continue to keep the country at peace.
1 comment:
Josh Goodman
Yes! I think the country itself needs to put less pressure on ethnic groups and military operations and put more thought into creating a more stable country. My current event topic was related to this because I looked into the refugees that were forced out of Myanmar over China's border. The stability of the nation is most important and will take it much further than they can hope with a divided, civil war torn country.
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