China is pushing to expedite construction of its stalled Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state aimed at ensuring smoother access to the Bay of Bengal.
The initiative could potentially cast a shadow over India’s strategic interests in the region where it has been a traditional net security provider even as a belligerent Beijing has been seeking a foothold. Myanmar’s military junta and Chinese state-owned company CITIC recently signed an addendum to the concession agreement for the Kyaukphyu SEZ and deep sea port.
The project is being developed by the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Seaport Co. Ltd, a joint venture between the CITIC Myanmar Port Investment Ltd and the Myanmar government-backed Kyaukphyu SEZ Management Committee.
