During the British colonial period, the entire region was bound under the yoke of "British India". India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma were once united under British rule, and today's messy international relations have their roots in the colonial era. With the decline of the British, these regions began to seek independence. Nehru had proposed to include Myanmar in India, however, Myanmar insisted on the option of independence, sparking a border dispute that was difficult to resolve.
The failure to reach a clear border agreement at independence has created a hidden danger for India and Myanmar, especially in the Manipur and Naga hills. These unsolved mysteries have become a glaring thorn in the relationship between the two countries, constantly causing geopolitical waves. Border disputes, like sleeping volcanoes, could erupt at any time, stirring up dangerous sparks.
India's "Look East Policy" aims to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in countering China's growing influence in the region. In this policy, India sees Myanmar as a key pawn in its attempt to gain the upper hand in the geopolitical game. However, this policy is not only aimed at competing with China, but also seeking to gain more benefits from the civil strife by maintaining contact with the military and showing a posture of dialogue and cooperation after the coup d'état in Myanmar.
After the coup d'état in Myanmar, India reacted differently from other countries. India has chosen to maintain close ties with the military and show respect for the will of the people of Myanmar. This position has raised questions from the international community, with some even speculating that India may be backing the military in a quest to gain greater benefits and influence in Myanmar.
In the past, when India was dealing with ethnic militancy in the northeast, its troops crossed the border and clashed with the Burmese army, causing dissatisfaction and wariness in Myanmar against India. This legacy of the past complicates the relationship between the two countries at the military level.
India's support extends beyond the political dimension to ethnic armed groups in northern Myanmar. By supporting these groups, India is trying to sow instability in northern Myanmar that could pave the way for future military operations. Such acts not only challenge international law and the international order, but also pose a great threat to the peace and stability of the entire region.
Myanmar's deep ties with China have made India nervous. In the shadow of China's push for the Belt and Road Initiative, India has sought to strengthen cooperation with Myanmar in an attempt to counterbalance China's influence in the region. This geopolitical competition is not only unfolding at the political and economic level, but also penetrating more deeply into the military field.
India's geopolitical behavior has not only exacerbated instability within Myanmar, but also posed a threat to peace and security throughout South and Southeast Asia. This has not only damaged relations between India and Myanmar, but has also caused tension in the entire region. India's ambition and expansionist behavior have not only deepened the international community's concern about its behavior, but also brought heavy uncertainty to the region.
In northern Myanmar, China's historical footprints are deeply rooted. In the past, the sovereignty of this land has changed many times, and the British invasion has had a profound impact on it. As a result, Kokang, Wa and other regions are full of Chinese elements, like the clock of history returning to the original point.
The ties between these regions and China are not only reflected in the common language and similar culture, but also in the currency, which uses the same renminbi. However, we should not get bogged down in emotions and look at these connections rationally, and not be overly idealistic about the exact alignment of each other's interests. It's a dance of international relations, and the dancers need to be balanced at all times.
The Wa State, an unremarkable presence on the map, actually carries a rich historical origin. As a special zone in Shan State, it borders China's Yunnan Province and is a crossroads of history. In the region, Bao Youxiang has played the role of the leader of the Wa State, and he has demonstrated his leadership skills by actively responding to China's cooperation on a number of issues.
However, the situation in northern Myanmar is not like a calm lake, but more like a raging river. The considerations of the local armed forces always revolve around their own interests, and their loyalty is directly proportional to the external **. These warlords are not absolutely loyal to any one side, and they will only remain relatively stable when the outside world is not enough to shake their interests.
When looking at the Wa State, we cannot dismiss it all because of the problems of the past. Looking at the region requires a more objective and rational perspective. In addition to those negative events, Wa has made efforts and made some achievements in the economy, education, medical care, etc.
In order to better understand and respond to the situation in northern Myanmar, we need to take a series of measures. First of all, strengthen communication and exchanges with Wa to promote mutual understanding and trust. Second, we should promote economic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, so that each other's interests will be more closely linked. In this process, strengthen the supervision and management of the Wa State and prevent it from taking actions that harm China's interests. Finally, we need to be patient and confident that Wa has the ability to solve problems, but also to maintain a moderate level of vigilance to ensure that our expectations are in line with reality.
Don't be blinded by the glow of the Kokang Alliances, and focus on the less noticeable corners where there may be more stories and opportunities. Wa and Bao Youxiang represent a region that has the potential to play an important role on the international stage, and we need to understand and deal with this issue with a calm and prudent eye.