The most recognizable opposition leader in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, has arrived in the Chinese capital Beijing.  Her visit to China in the face of the recent tensions between both countries is seen as an act of defiance to Myanmar's leadership.

Bloomberg reports that Chinese leaders meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi is intended to show China's displeasure with President Thein Sein government.  China's politburo is also aware of the fact that Suu Kyi's political party is a formidable force in the upcoming November elections in Myanmar.

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Xiamen University professor Fan Hongwei said that China is merely exploring new strategies in dealing with its neighbor Myanmar.  However, this move could potetially put China's considerable business and political investment in Myanmar at stake.

Relations between the two Asian neighbors are cooling down due to President Sein's current policy of improving relations with the United States, according to BBC.  Beijing leaders are now turning to Aung San Suu Kyi since they believe that her party has a good chance of winning the November elections.

Another issue China has against the current leaders of Myanmar is the fighting in the Kokang region that continues to spill over the Chinese border.

Armed clashes between military troops and separatist rebels near the Chinese border has resulted in the death of up to five Chinese villagers who were hit by stray shells, CNN reported.

Even Chinese infrastructure projects in the country have been halted by the the Sein Administration.  One of them is the Myitsone dam construction.  Work on the dam has been temporarily stopped because of objections from people living near the construction site.

Human Rights Watch Researcher David Mathieson believes that an alliance between Beijing and Aung San Suu Kyi is possible.  He thinks that Suu Kyi and her party can be the better alternative if China could no longer rely on the current Myanmar government with regards to its numerous investments in the country.

China is well aware that Suu Kyi is barred by her country's constitution from seeking the presidential office.  However, she will wield considerable influence inside Myanmar if her party gains considerable positions in the upcoming elections.  Myanmar election law specifically states that people like Suu Kyi are not allowed because her husband and their children are foreign citizens.

TagsAung San Suu Kyi, china-myanmar, Myanmar conflict, Myanmar faces pressure, Chinese border, china border, Kokang region