Naypyidaw, Mar 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) — A leading expert on security dynamics in Southeast Asia, particularly regarding Myanmar, has raised alarms about the increasing assertiveness of Chinese security firms in the region. Miemie Winn Byrd, a security analyst at the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies (APCSS), warned that the military junta’s private security regulations could turn Myanmar into a “client state” of China.
In an interview with Myanmar’s prominent media outlet Irrawaddy, Byrd expressed concern about the risks posed by these security companies, many of which employ former Chinese military personnel. “These Chinese firms could manipulate both the political and economic landscapes of Myanmar, ultimately compromising the country’s sovereignty,” she stated.
Byrd criticized the current regime for its engagement with Chinese companies for short-term benefits, highlighting Myanmar’s strategic location as a solution for China’s “Malacca dilemma.” She explained that 80 percent of China’s oil imports transit through the Malacca Strait, which leaves them vulnerable during conflicts. As a result, China is seeking alternative routes, with Myanmar being a key option for bypassing this critical chokepoint, thus enhancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The military junta introduced the ‘Private Security Services Law’ in February, permitting Chinese private security firms to operate in Myanmar. This legislation is perceived as a means for Beijing to safeguard its interests, particularly in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
The law appears tailored to accommodate Chinese interests, allowing security firms to protect their assets and employees within Myanmar. Additionally, China has pushed the military regime to ensure the safety of its investments and has proposed forming joint venture security companies to bolster its presence in the country. As Chinese projects proliferate across Myanmar, the new legislation facilitates the establishment of these firms in various regions, according to Irrawaddy.
Credit: Social News
