This post is part of our International Relations & Security coverage.
Spontaneous protests against Myanmar’s power blackouts received news coverage in May 2012 because the government seldom permits anti-government activities. Even more significant were the protests that took place in front of the Chinese embassy in Yangon, Myanmar's capital.
Protesters came together to raise their voice against the government's decision to sell Myanmar’s limited energy reserves to China. Below is a comment from the Facebook page of Eleven Media Group [my], one of the largest private media organizations in Myanmar, which echoed the sentiment of many consumers in Myanmar:
70% of electricity supplied to Yangon is from Law Pi Ta and Ye Ywar hydro-powered stations, that from the Shwe Li station goes to China, so there is a shortage of electricity in Yangon. Why? Go and cut China's power!
China-Backed Mega Dam
I wholeheartedly thank Mr. President for making the courageous decision to fulfil the public's wishes, despite its impact on the long term energy needs of China, which protects Myanmar in the Security Council of the UN; and the legal repercussions of voiding contracts that have already been signed.
Cambodia land issues
Cambodian farmers have also been raising objections to a mini Chinese take-over of their lands. According to the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, the Cambodian government has granted 4,615,745 hectares in concessions to 107 Chinese-owned firms since 1994. Of that total, 3,374,328 hectares were forest concessions, 973,101 hectares were economic land concessions and 268,316 hectares were mining concessions.
Because the way things are going, you’re soon going to need a Chinese visa to visit Cambodia with all the huge tracts of land being sold off to Asia’s ever-voracious powerhouse.
Some activists warn that the way things are going most of Cambodia’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries could soon be sold off to Chinese investors.
They point out how China is a favourite with the Cambodian government because it’s the country’s biggest investor and source of foreign aid, and is less demanding than Western nations when it comes to trifling matters like human rights and villagers being kicked out of their homes.
Investments in Philippines
Meanwhile, notable Chinese investments in the Philippines have been tainted by accusations of corruption. The proposed National Broadband Network and Northrail projects have been cancelled by the government after it was exposed that bribes were paid by Chinese firms to get the backing of Philippine officials. Even the former president of the Philippines government has been accused of receiving kickbacks for supporting the mega deals.
Philippines-China relations must be at one of its lowest points ever. Even during the height of the Mischief Reef crisis (1995-1997), economic ties were growing and there was minimal effect on warm people-to-people linkages.
Now the value of economic cooperation with China has been questioned due to perceptions that it has been pursued through corrupt practices (e.g. NBN-ZTE, Northrail)
There is no doubt that the emergence of China as a global economic powerhouse brings tremendous benefits to its cash-strapped neighbors in Southeast Asia. But as China expands its economic clout, it must be ready to account for the varying consequences of its actions. China should not treat Southeast Asia as another market to dominate but an old trading partner with unique customs, traditions, and political systems.
In short, China’s money can transform poor villages into prosperous communities but it can also be used to destroy the environment, violate citizen rights, and worsen corruption in the region. China’s failure to recognize the impact of its investments might compel Southeast Asians to seek other investors.