The Rohingya refugee crisis emanating from Myanmar’s western Rakhine state has presented an acute challenge to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. It has also provided a unique opportunity for China to regain lost momentum in the strategically important neighboring nation.

While China had previously maintained a neutral stance on the Rohingya issue, it has taken a nuanced pro-government line since the situation flared up again last August 25 after insurgents attacked security force outposts. An estimated 680,000 refugees have since fled violence across the border into Bangladesh.

This article was originally published by Asia Times on February 14, 2018. Read the full article here.