It is not a secret that the tin mines located in the Northeast corner of Myanmar have been the major sources of income for the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the largest non-government army in the world. However, few people had become aware that over 500 listed companies in USA were linked with the UWSA’s Tin production until the shocking reveal by a Reuters report published on Nov. 29, 2016.

(site:http://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-tin-insight-idUSKBN13N1VV)

Those companies and their supply chain partners will probably be forced to change suppliers of tin for avoiding potential sanctions risk. Even though USA has lifted most sanctions on Myanmar, UWSA leaders are still blacklisted by Washington over accusations of drug trafficking.

It is highly expected that the looming sanctions will become a US policy weapon against the UWSA which has consistently played a stubborn role in Myanmar Peace Process before and after the NLD government taking office in April 2016. Aung San Suu Kyi has called on ethnic armed groups including UWSA to take “calculated risks” participating the historic Peace Process of Myanmar, and USA has promised to fully support her efforts and ensure her success.

Since the UWSA has been heavily dependent on China for many years, the question then arises as what should China do to prevent any potential border crisis and any damage to its national interests?

Firstly, China should make use of its unique leverages to persuade UWSA abandoning its undesirable positions of demanding military and diplomatic privileges in the Peace Process. Aung San Suu Kyi’s attitude towards UWSA will finally determine the practical implementations of US sanctions. China’s constructive support for the Peace Process will definitely be of benefit to development and security of both countries.

Secondly, On Nov. 25 the first Myanmar-China (2+2) high level consultation was successfully held in Nay Phi Taw. Likewise China and Myanmar need to form border committees, from township level to much higher ones, similar to those between Thailand and Myanmar. The border committees are required to hold regular meetings and actively solve bilateral problems in early stage.

Thirdly, in collaboration with Myanmar government, China could introduce environment-friendly and sustainable projects into UWSA administrative area, most probably in the frame of Belt and Road Initiative. Peace making and economic development are interdependent processes.

Last but not least, a long-term and stable national strategy with Myanmar which has been undertaking democratic transition is urgently-needed for China. This policy should clearly answer following question: what kinds of roles the ethnic armed groups residing Sino-Myanmar border will play in the future, the leverage tools and the break-waters for China side, or the friendship bridges linking China and Myanmar?

Liu Yun