Myanmar and China officially describe their ties as a “pauk-phaw” or fraternal relationship, marked by strong diplomatic and trade connections. Yet, on the ground, public sentiment in Myanmar often tells a different story, with widespread disapproval of China’s actions and perceived influence. Many in Myanmar criticize Beijing's support for the military junta and the exploitation of Myanmar’s resources, which they believe benefits China more than their own country.

An independent survey conducted by researcher Hnin Phyu highlights these unfavorable views, revealing that most people in Myanmar perceive China as backing the junta and promoting instability to advance its strategic interests. This perception has fueled anti-Chinese sentiments, with 93.4 percent of respondents indicating that China actively undermines press freedom, human rights, and democracy in Myanmar.

There is also a strong perception that China’s business operations in Myanmar are exploitative. The longstanding association of China with Myanmar’s military regime—especially since the pro-democracy movement of 1988—has contributed to this negative view. Irrawaddy Editor Kyaw Zwa Moe and columnist Bo Bo point out that China’s insistence on reviving the controversial Myitsone Dam project and the sometimes abrasive behavior of Chinese expatriates have amplified these sentiments. Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai’s recent push for “mutually beneficial” collaboration, such as joint efforts to tackle online scams that target Chinese nationals, has only deepened local skepticism about whether these efforts genuinely benefit Myanmar.

Despite official language of “pauk-phaw” unity, many see the China-Myanmar relationship as imbalanced. The vast majority believe that China’s involvement primarily serves its own interests, often at Myanmar’s expense.

This dynamic has sparked protests. In September 2024, pro-democracy Myanmar activists and expatriates gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., calling on China to end its support for Myanmar’s military junta and respect the people’s will.

China’s support for the junta is evident in two main areas. First, China provides military assistance, including air power, which many believe is a critical factor keeping the junta in power. China’s recent delivery of six fighter jets has enabled the military to escalate airstrikes against civilian populations in multiple states. Second, China exerts pressure on ethnic resistance groups, such as the Brotherhood Alliance, to cease operations against the junta. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a member of this alliance, reportedly halted its activities reluctantly in response to Chinese pressure. Beijing has also applied pressure on other ethnic resistance groups, like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), urging them to reduce conflict with the junta, even imposing economic pressure by shutting down border checkpoints to force compliance.

China’s involvement in Myanmar’s affairs is widely seen as motivated by its own interests rather than goodwill toward Myanmar’s citizens. Many in Myanmar believe that China’s actions are aimed at sustaining the junta’s power to safeguard Chinese geopolitical objectives.

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