As Washington and Kuala Lumpur prepare for a potentially divisive October meeting, the real opportunity lies in pressing Beijing to rein in Myanmar’s junta. A united push could deliver peace, profits, and stability for all sides.

Article 2 – EROs and China’s Maneuvers

Intro:
This second part of the series examines how China positions itself among Myanmar’s ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs). Far from being a neutral neighbor, Beijing carefully calibrates its involvement to maintain leverage, even at the expense of Myanmar’s democratic struggle.

By MMNN Opinion Desk

China’s escalating sanctions on the United Wa State Army (UWSA) expose its deep and unethical meddling in Myanmar’s internal affairs. Billions of yuan in Wa-owned assets have been frozen, border gates sealed, and even ordinary Wa civilians arrested inside China. Beijing accuses the Wa of violating its “red lines” by aiding Operation 1027 and maintaining indirect contact with the National Unity Government (NUG).

For the Wa, the result has been catastrophic. “This is the most severe political and survival crisis in 40 years,” UWSA Deputy Commander U Kyauk Kaw Aung admitted, appealing to allied groups not to request further aid while the Wa endure China’s heavy hand.

China’s Double Game

Beijing claims it seeks stability, but its real goal is protecting its economic corridors—pipelines, mines, and Belt and Road projects—while shielding the genocidal junta. Instead of confronting the war criminals in Naypyitaw who burn villages and bomb civilians, China has chosen to punish those resisting oppression. Far from a neutral broker, Beijing has become the junta’s enabler.

Trump–Anwar: A Chance to Shift the Balance

In October, Donald Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are set to meet. Commentators expect tensions over Israel–Palestine to dominate. Trump risks a backlash from Jewish constituencies in the U.S., while Anwar faces the fury of Malay Muslims at home. Both leaders could emerge weakened, their meeting reduced to political theatre.

But there is another path: set aside a head-on clash and focus on Myanmar. Pressuring China to bring the junta to peace talks could be the common ground where both Trump and Anwar gain politically and economically.

• Trump would demonstrate global leadership by curbing China’s influence in Myanmar, extending America’s foothold in Southeast Asia.
• Anwar could show Malaysia’s Muslim-majority public that he is not merely reactive on Palestine but proactive in reducing suffering in Myanmar, a cause close to the region’s conscience.
• Both leaders could claim credit for reducing the migrant crisis spilling into ASEAN.

A Buddhist Parable for Modern Politics

In Myanmar’s Jataka tales, there is a famous line: “Thar Shwe Ooh Htan Lar Dar Myin Chin Thee”—“Blind parents could see their dead son carrying a pot of gold.” The meaning: even in tragedy, all sides may gain something of value.

Applied to Myanmar today, it points to a rare win-win:

• The people gain peace.
• The junta avoids annihilation through a negotiated settlement.
• Ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) secure political guarantees.
• Minorities gain recognition and dignity.
• China retains trade routes without being seen as complicit in genocide.
• ASEAN eases the refugee crisis.
• The U.S. establishes a stronger strategic role in the region.
• Even Trump and Anwar emerge not as divided adversaries but as pragmatic leaders.

The Verdict

China’s sanctions on the Wa reveal its real face: an imperial power more concerned with pipelines than people. The October Trump–Anwar meeting offers a chance to change the script. Instead of fighting each other over Palestine, both should turn together against Beijing’s stranglehold on Myanmar.

If they succeed, this could be the rarest of outcomes in international politics: a moment when everyone—people, governments, and even rivals—walks away with the pot of gold.

Closing note:
China’s selective support for EROs is not about justice, but about control. Understanding these maneuvers is key to grasping why Myanmar’s revolution cannot rely on outside powers.