The relations between the three Asian nations China, India and Myanmar are closely interlinked due to common borders, strong historical ties, and increasing economic and political cooperation.

China's regional stance on foreign policy aims at mutual understanding following the pursuit of a harmonious world and peaceful co-existence. Despite these efforts, however, China and India maintain an ambivalent relationship, characterized by constantly growing economic and strategic ties on the one hand, and competition on the other hand. China's enhanced role as a regional actor, the unresolved border dispute and India's fear of China's "string of pearls"-projects provoke scepticism and political resentment on both sides. Nevertheless, these frictions do not keep them from cooperation, so that the economic relations between the two nations have increased substantially since the first trade agreement in the 1980's. Until today, China has developed to the top trading partner of India.

Myanmar, wedged between the two Asian big players and abound in resources, has enormous geo-political and geo-strategic importance both for China and India. As the country's leading foreign investor, China predominantly launches hydropower, mining and infrastructure projects in Myanmar in order to satisfy its energy needs. India, on the other hand, started its engagement with the military junta in 1993 in the course of its "Look East Policy". Since that time both nations have steadily deepened their strategic and economic relations. Regarding Myanmar's current political transformation and its opening-up to the West, possible implications on its relationship to China and India are looming.

In order to discuss and to promote a deeper understanding of the bilateral and triangular relationship between China, India and Myanmar, the Shanghai Maritime Strategy Research Center (SMSRC) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung jointly organized a half day workshop in Shanghai on 06th June 2012.