Japan-Myanmar Relations after the Cold War and Japan’s Policy towards Myanmar

　　Abstract: Japan is the first country in the western camp to recognize the Myanmar military government which came into power in September 1988, having established diplomatic relations with the latter in February 1989. Japan aims to encourage gradual democratization in Myanmar through the strategy of “constructive engagement.” This strategy, compared to the unyielding stance adopted by the US and European counterparts, emphasizes the importance of engaging in dialogue with the Myanmar military government. When handling Myanmar, Japan’s policy approach exhibits greater stability and temperate characteristics. While Japan’s primary concern in its policy towards Southeast Asia has been economic and political, another longterm strategic consideration is to constrain China’s rise. This is in order to maintain Japan’s dominant role in Southeast Asia, and to prevent infiltration of Chinese influence into the region. Despite its limitations, there are certain merits to Japan’s approach. Due to its reconciliatory stance, in the form of “constructive intervention,” Japan will continue play an important role in helping to guide Myanmar towards market economy, which in time can lead to greater political reform and democratization in the recipient state. Through the success of this approach, Japan hopes to entrench its role as a major player in the region.

　　Authors: Bi Shihong, Deputy Director and Associate Professor, GMS Research Center, Yunnan University