In Myanmar, a Change in China's Strategy?

Myanmar's isolation in recent decades led China to shift from multilateral engagement with various political players to engaging primarily with the military government to broaden its interests. But Myanmar's opening up to the rest of the world — and the accompanying domestic political complexities — has brought in competition for China and reduced Beijing's influence. China cannot continue relying solely on its connection to the government and may develop stronger ties to opposition and ethnic groups in order to secure Beijing's strategic interests in Myanmar.