Western trade and investment in Burma is small, but there were hopes that reforms would prise open an economy stunted by international sanctions and decades of mismanagement under military rule. That now appears to be on hold.

China is ploughing money into Southeast Asia, but as welcome as all this economic activity is to the region, it could also present political problems, as countries confront China over issues such as its claims in the South China Sea.

Two deals to import 2,000 buses from China have caused a rift within the National League for Democracy, with Rangoon Division lawmakers questioning its cost and accusing Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein of cronyism and a lack of accountability.

China will offer support and assistance for Burma’s follow-up efforts after a military plane crashed off the Southeast Asian country’s southern coast with 122 people on board, Chinese state media said.

Can Burma's government please China, bring development and job opportunities, and ensure local residents' rights are upheld as plans for the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone move forward?

The failure of China’s efforts to bring India on board with its “new Silk Road” initiative shows the depths to which relations between the two countries have fallen over territorial disputes and Beijing’s support of Pakistan.