Japan’s Balanced Diplomacy in Myanmar：Characteristics and Pitfalls

　　Abstract: During the Cold War, Japan and Myanmar established a “special historical friendship.” Since 1988 though, relations between the two states have chilled, and Japan's influence in Myanmar has decreased sharply. Japan has made many efforts to restore its former influence and the “special” diplomatic relationship. Japan has attempted to find a medium point between sanctions and engagement in its relations with Myanmar. On the one hand, it maintains sanctions on aid to exert limited policy pressure on Myanmar, while on the other hand it maintains engagement with Myanmar. The dualistic approach that Japan adopts towards Myanmar reflects a balancing between its domestic divisions, its foreign policy alliance with the US and its independent foreign policy in Asia, and its national interests and values.

　　Author: Fan Hongwei is an Associate Professor in the Nanyang Research Institute of Xiamen University；

　　Liu Xiaomin is a Professor in the Nanyang Research Institute of Xiamen University