WHAT OTHERS SAY

DEAL ON ROHINGYA

The agreement reached between Myanmar and Bangladesh to repatriate Rohingya refugees suggests that the Chinese proposal has found some traction as a solution to the crisis. It has been sealed after a three-month military operation By Myanmar In RAKHINE, WHICH resulted In Around 600,000 ROHINGYA LEEING THE province to BANGLADESH, LEADING to A Humanitarian Crisis AND A war of words between Dhaka and Naypyidaw. It is against this background that China stepped in with its three-point plan. Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to Bangladesh and Myanmar with the proposal; Beijing later claimed both countries had accepted it. Under the plan, Myanmar and Bangladesh were to hold bilateral talks and reach a repatriation AGREEMENT – WHICH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. However, THE irst step In BEIJING’S Approach – WHICH Involved A DECLARATION of CEASEIRE In RAKHINE to halt further displacement and bringing immediate relief to the state’s devastated Rohingya – has not taken effect. If this were to happen, the third part of the proposal will presumably take effect, with China providing economic assistance for the development of the Rakhine region as part of a long-term solution. China, which has historically been wary of stepping into Domestic Conflicts In other Countries, Is BEING proactive In this CASE. Its own interest is at stake. Beijing enjoys good relations with both Bangladesh and Myanmar; also, Rakhine is an important link in its Belt and Road Initiative.

The Hindu