The Politics of China's Investment in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to expose the patterns that exist in the economic interactions between China and Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Lao People?s Democratic Republic (CML) by determining what motivates China to sustain economic interactions with all three states. Through an investigation and analysis of China?s trade, investment, and aid activity with CML, I argue that this economic interaction is both economically and politically motivated. In so doing, this paper endeavors to explain that China?s economic interaction with Cambodia, Myanmar, and Lao PDR is generating not only an economic return, but a political one as well.