China and Myanmar: Restoring a Damaged Alliance

Nine months after its first free elections in over 50 years, Myanmar continues to make strides in opening its economy and introducing political reform. When the ruling National League for Democracy rose to power, many speculated that it would pursue closer ties between Myanmar and the West, whose democratic ideals the party espouses. But a trip to China by the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, reflects a more pragmatic foreign policy taking shape under the new administration, one that is careful not to discount the looming presence of Myanmar's northern neighbor. ...