Myanmar’s responses to major power strategies in the Indo-Pacific in the early 21st century

Abstract

Since 1948, Myanmar has advocated implementing a non-aligned foreign policy to maintain its autonomy in international relations. Throughout the country’s history, Myanmar’s foreign policy towards major powers has resembled a pendulum swinging back and forth between “positive non-alignment” and “negative neutrality”. In the early 21st century, with the foreign policy adjustments of major countries in the Indo-Pacific region (specifically the US, China, India, and Japan), Myanmar has also had to respond with policy adjustments to ensure its own development. In recent years, as they have faced significant international and regional changes, major powers have adjusted their foreign strategies, including those related to the Indo-Pacific region. By employing a combination of historical and international relations research methods, this article aims to analyse the transition from Myanmar’s “positive non-alignment” policy to its “negative neutrality” policy in response to changes in the country’s international, regional, and internal situations. Myanmar’s policies in recent decades may offer references for consideration in Vietnam's foreign policy formulation.