ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how China intervenes in the internal conflict in Myanmar and exerts influence on the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in an attempt to gradually calm the situation and create a peaceful environment for China to advance its major projects. Due to the incompetence of the Tatmadaw in terms of political and economic governance, the people’s demand for democracy and rights has grown stronger, leading to the birth of the PDF. This chapter emphasizes the active role of the PDF in pursuing democracy and protecting the rights and interests of the people. It also points out the complexity of the situation—especially with the US backing the National Unity Government (NUG) and the PDF—and describes how it continues to be volatile. Under such circumstances, China has maintained its distance from the PDF by cooperating with the Tatmadaw, promoting the resumption of major projects, and mediating and negotiating with EAOs in northern Myanmar. By weakening the influence of the PDF in the short term, such an approach can objectively help to calm the situation in Myanmar, stabilize and recover the economy, and promote the development of people’s livelihoods. As the domestic situation gradually stabilizes, democratic elections may once again be feasible, thereby creating conditions for the return of Myanmar society to a normal track. Overall, the chapter highlights the important role of the PDF in Myanmar’s political development and fight for justice, while revealing the impact of complex international factors on the situation.
