A democratic India voiced a strong condemnation of the ‘deeply disturbing’ developments in Myanmar on Monday, and said democracy must be upheld in its neighbour. A communist party ruled autocratic China, another neighbour of Myanmar, adopted an evasive and muted tone. It neither condemned nor expressed any concern. The CCP just said that reconciliation is needed between the civilian set-up and Myanmar military or Tatmadaw.
The two vastly different stances adopted by India and China offer a glimpse into who stands to gain as military rule returns to Myanmar after 10 years of gradual, albeit limited, political opening. The Myanmar military staged a coup on Monday, seized power, dismissed the civilian government and imposed a year-long emergency in the whole country.
The geographically strategic location of Myanmar makes it a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and India…