While China is well-positioned to mediate peace in Myanmar due to its economic and strategic interests, its current approach of maintaining relations with all sides in the conflict has not been sufficient to drive meaningful progress. Lasting peace will require China to take a firmer stance, promote constructive dialogue, and collaborate with regional partners to address the humanitarian crisis and political instability.

Kathryn is a Master’s in International Relations candidate at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and former appointee at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The most significant achievement of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Myanmar was the progress made on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor project. It will enhance bilateral ties, both economically and socially.

The humanitarian crisis has opened a new window of opportunity, despite Western criticism, after the United States pressured the country into cutting back on its commitments to China.

Myanmar is vital to President Xi’s “One Belt One Road” project, but China-Myanmar relations have had a cooling off period since 2011, when Myanmar began the democratic reform process. By capitalizing on its strong historical relationship with all sides of Myanmese power, China may be able to carve out a niche and pursue its own interests in the process.

China has proposed a three-phase plan for resolving the Rohingya crisis, starting with a ceasefire in Myanmar's Rakhine State so that refugees can return

In Southeast Asia’s final frontier, the two ports of Kyaukphyu and Thilawa have emerged with two contrasting trajectories of development. The tale of these two ports in Myanmar do not only chronicle the varying differences in Chinese and Japanese approaches to foreign developments but also reflect a regional rivalry for clout.

Bilateral ties between Myanmar and China, at least at top governing levels, appear to be improving following souring diplomatic and economic ties during the previous Thein Sein administration. As China expands its investment footprint, it must heed the widespread wariness, and in some areas, strong anti-Chinese sentiment in Myanmar.

National reconciliation does not just impact Myanmar’s political and economic interests; it is also important to China. As the largest neighbor and sharing the longest border with Myanmar, China has and will continue to play a prominent role in the nation’s stalled peace process..

Southeast Asia is unlikely to receive the attention and focus it has under the Obama Administration. Despite this, members of Congress will maintain a focus in the region. Particularly, the legislative will take the lead given the country’s most ardent Myanmar watchers remain in Congress. Regional concerns continue to focus around human rights concerns and radicalization. Although the Obama “pivot” to Asia may be over, a continued relationship will remain.