China rolls dice with Myanmar's military, sidelines democratic NUG

Beijing pursues infrastructure projects with regime despite escalating conflict

20211126 MAH Suu Kyi

China backs Myanmar's military regime while also keeping in touch with pro-democracy groups. (Nikkei montage/AP)

THOMPSON CHAU and JOHN LIU, Contributing writers

YANGON/TAIPEI -- China is doubling down on its backing of Myanmar's military regime one year after the military takeover, despite widespread and sustained opposition to the generals in the country.

Among the signs that Beijing has decided that backing rather than isolating a pariah regime on its doorstep is its best option, Myanmar became the first country in Southeast Asia to take delivery of a China-manufactured submarine.

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