ISAS Insights

What is Myanmar's role in the region and the engagement it has had with its western and eastern neighbours, and allies in light of recent reforms? The paper shows that the new National League for Democracy government is continuing on the path set by President Thein Sein's administration that was looking east rather than westwards. Myanmar sees its relations with its western neighbours, in particular, India but also Bangladesh as less important than its engagement with China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan. The paper focuses on two aspects of domestic policy that have resulted in changes in external engagement: the peace process (with China's involvement) and the rise of Buddhist nationalism (creating issues, in particular, with Bangladesh but also Malaysia). Lastly, the paper looks at Myanmar's foreign economic priorities, which link it closely to China and Japan.