International relations


Myanmar’s international standing, which had been elevated by its historic transition to democracy, has plummeted over the 2017 military-led crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State. Myanmar faces genocide-related charges at the International Court of Justice, the U.N.’s top court which settles disputes between nations. The United States and other nations have imposed targeted sanctions on some military officials. Suu Kyi has suffered severe reputational damage.

Though shunned by the West, Myanmar has retained its powerful ally China squarely in its corner at the U.N. Security Council. Beijing has avoided criticism of Myanmar over the Rohingya crackdown and has deepened ties, lending diplomatic, political and economic support. Myanmar has been a key beneficiary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative that is building infrastructure. But the next government will have to contend with perennial and growing public concerns about the extent of Chinese influence in the country.