China’s Burma problem

Regarding the article “Hundreds march in Myanmar over prices” (Aug. 23):
Human rights activists and citizens marched through the streets of Rangoon
in opposition to a steep rise of fuel prices. Unfortunately, policymakers
around the world have not shown the same fortitude as these protesters. The
UN Security Council has remained shamefully paralyzed on Burma for the past
8 months since China vetoed a multilateral resolution that would have
condemned the country’s military regime.

Thankfully, opposition to China’s position on Burma seems to be growing.
Last week, a group of members of parliament from the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations called on China to modify its unequivocal support
for the junta.

This move may represent the first time in recent history that China’s own
neighbors are balking at its perceived heavy-handedness in regional
diplomacy. In particular, Southeast Asian lawmakers are unhappy that China
refuses to endorse Ban Ki Moon and Asean’s call for the release of Aung San
Suu Kyi.

China could easily reverse the growing frustration with its policy on Burma
by endorsing a multilateral approach to to the country, publicly supporting
Ban Ki Moon and Asean’s calls for the release of Suu Kyi, ending attacks
against ethnic minority civilians, and pressing Than Shwe, the military
leader, to enter negotiations with Suu Kyi and Burma’s ethnic minorities.

Such moves would not only bring greater stability to Burma, they would in no
way undermine China’s investments in the country. Those marching and
bleeding in Rangoon - as well as those suffering and hiding in eastern
Burma - hope for such an outcome.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/26/opinion/edletmon.php

Author: Jeremy Woodrum, Washington
Co-founder of the U.S. Campaign for Burma