Abstract

• Before 2010 general elections, China gained more influence in Myanmar - China bilateral relations. After 2010 general elections, China changed its approach in accordance with the improvement of Myanmar’s political situation. The relations between the two countries reached a turning point especially when National League for Democracy (NLD) Party won some seats in Hluttaw in 2012 by-election. Since that time, China reanalyzed their relations and changed its strategy towards Myanmar. In attempting to accommodate Myanmar’s political situation, China practiced multilayered approaches. Since 2011, China recognized Myanmar peoples' anti- Chinese sentiment and tried to change this sentiment by emphasizing the opinion of Myanmar people through the strategy of multilayered relations. To improve its image and relations with the local communities, China conducted massive public relations activities inside Myanmar. China believed that the friendly relations with Myanmar will support Chinese interests because Myanmar is also a key component of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative (BRI). China aimed to forge closer ties with Myanmar through construction projects and bilateral cooperation in energy and finance. It is assured that China is seeking to control Myanmar and taking advantage of Myanmar’s circumstances during development and then it has adjusted its posture and policy toward Myanmar. The research is conducted through a qualitative analysis by means of archival research relying on both primary and secondary sources. This paper intends to highlight China’s strategy towards Myanmar since 2011in the changing situation of Myanmar and examine why China practiced multilayered approach towards Myanmar.