Can China influence Burmese generals?

Last Modified: 27 Sep 2007
By: Lindsey Hilsum

China may treasure its economic interests in Burma, but now China has gone further than before by asking for restraint.

China is widely regarded as the key player in determining how much pressure can be placed on the Burmese generals by the outside world.

As Burma's largest neighbour, China has long nutured its energy and other economic interests in the country.

China makes a move

So far, it has been assumed that those interests would make it unlikely that the Chinese authorities would back any moves against the Burmese government.

President Bush has met the Chinese foreign minister to express concern over Burma - China's role is crucial in the region.

And Beijing has gone further than before in asking "all parties" to show restraint.