Courtney T. Wittekind

Courtney T. Wittekind

Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

Ms Courtney T. Wittekind is a Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and was previously a visiting fellow in the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme at the same institute.

Anti-coup protesters hold a Chinese flag before burning it down during a demonstration against China in Yangon, Myanmar, 5 April 2021. (Stringer/Reuters)

Why Myanmar people are wary of a 'pauk-phaw' (sibling) relationship with China

China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk-phaw” or sibling relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond. Who are the true beneficiaries of Chinese investment in Myanmar? Why are the people protesting while the higher-ups eagerly sign huge contracts with China and other countries?