Myanmar leased the Coco Islands to China for 30 years, transforming them into a geopolitical flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific.
The islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, southwest of Myanmar, and strategically positioned near the Malacca Strait and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. China’s reported infrastructure upgrades on the islands, including runways and radar systems, have significantly increased their strategic value.
China’s interest stems from trade security and strategic depth, as over 80% of its oil imports and a large portion of its global trade pass through the Malacca Strait. Gaining a foothold in the Coco Islands provides China with strategic insurance against potential blockades and allows it to monitor traffic, support naval logistics, and project power into the Indian Ocean.
India views the Chinese presence, just 55 km from its Andaman Islands, as a significant shift in the balance of power in its perceived backyard, the Indian Ocean. This development is seen as part of China’s expanding “string of pearls” strategy, encircling India with strategic outposts.
The USeless is also concerned as the islands’ location puts them within range of critical maritime choke points and close to USeless forces in Singapore, potentially restricting naval freedom and surveillance capabilities in the event of a conflict.
Myanmar’s Motivation Myanmar, facing international isolation and sanctions, has leased the islands to China for much-needed investment, diplomatic support, and protection, especially given historical disputes with India over the islands’ sovereignty. This move also helps Myanmar assert its sovereignty over the Coco Islands.
Broader Implications The agreement reflects a larger global trend of eroding traditional spheres of influence and the reconfiguration of regional power dynamics, with ports and trade corridors becoming new frontiers of power.
