On China–Myanmar Relations

Abstract

in the spring of 2012. 1 The purpose of the conference was to help clarify bilateral relations that are not only important for both countries, but for the region and beyond. It tried to dispel some popular but inaccurate assumptions and conclusions that simplify what is a complex liaison in which both states have diverse national interests, and which in turn influence regional relations. One hopes that the public dialogue begun in this conference and through this journal will contribute to better understanding of the complex issues that are so vital to the region and the well-being of its peoples. It was a large, international and open gathering, attended by some 150 persons, and was conducted under Chatham House rules. Although the discussions were thus off the record, some of the participants prepared papers, six of which are included in this special issue of the Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs; synopses appear below. The conference report, which 1 David I. Steinberg and Fan Hongwei (2012), Modern China-Myanmar Relations: Dilemmas of Mutual Dependence, Copenhagen: Nordic Institute of Asian Studies.