China’s OBOR Initiative and Myanmar’s Political Economy

The implementation of China’s proposed One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative has aroused wide international attention, especially in its neighboring countries. As one of the important neighbors on China’s west, Myanmar reacted obviously and took some response measures. From Myanmar’s perspective, OBOR is China’s move to shape an economic and security community with neighboring countries, with strategic significance to China’s economic transition and regional role. It is also an opportunity for Myanmar to take a free ride on China’s rapid economic development. Meanwhile, when cooperating with China under OBOR, Myanmar worries about its national sovereignty and security, as well as China’s influence in Myanmar. During the implementation of OBOR, China should pay more attention to the “China threat” and take measures to enhance Myanmar’s confidence in cooperating with China.