Rohingya crisis: China to mediate between Myanmar and Bangladesh
China has offered to act as a mediator to resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis primarily concerning Myanmar and Bangladesh. Beijing has reportedly put forth a three-stage solution to the humanitarian crisis. It claims that the proposal has been accepted by both the countries. In a recent announcement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang hoped that "the proposal would help resolve the crisis."
Rohingyas believed to be world's most persecuted minority
The Rohingyas are an ethnic Muslim group who constitute around one million of Myanmar's predominantly Buddhist 50 million population. They speak a Bengali dialect, mainly reside in the country's impoverished northern Rakhine state. Myanmar views them as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and doesn't officially recognize them as its citizens, rendering them stateless. The Rohingyas have allegedly been subjected to human rights abuses by Myanmar.
What has China proposed?
In the first stage, Beijing would persuade Myanmar to impose a ceasefire to terminate the violence in the Rakhine. Additionally, it's pushing for the return of Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh. In the second stage, Beijing envisages both countries arriving at an equality-based solution. In the final stage, it plans to urge the international community to help with development in the impoverished Rakhine state.
What's really on China's mind?
China may be trying to protect its investments in Myanmar, specifically those in the Rakhine state. Moreover, by placing itself in a constructive position, China might be trying to bolster its influence over Myanmar, especially as Nepal and Pakistan are moving away from Chinese investment grip. Beijing might also be trying to compete with India's influence in Myanmar.
