The Myanmar-China Pipelines project is one of the key China-backed projects in Myanmar amongst many others. Two parallel pipelines, carrying oil and gas, extend over 700 kilometers from Madè Island on the west coast of Myanmar to Ruili in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan. While the construction started in 2004 and was completed in 2013, Chinese mouthpiece Global Times classifies the project as a key one for the BRI.
Due to the coup d'état in Myanmar and the following protests, tensions have heightened around the security of the pipelines. Multiple sources in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, confirmed that Chinese officials are pursuing a meeting with Tatmadaw representatives in order to address growing concerns about the security of the pipelines [China Again Seeks Myanmar Regime's Assurances on Oil, Gas Pipelines Security]. Oil and gas transported through Myanmar reduce China’s energy import costs and diversify its import route, but little gas and no oil is directed for domestic consumption in Myanmar. The relationship between Beijing and Naypyitaw is complicated – while China doesn’t want to have a troubled state on its borders, friendly relations with the military junta are a marriage of convenience in order to protect business interests and BRI-led projects in the country.
Mirela Petkova
|
|
