Burmese people in China

The Burmese community in China consists majority of Burmese refugees, Burmese live-in-exile, Burmese immigrants and expatriates as well as Burmese Chinese and Chinese citizens of Burmese ancestry.

Burmese community in China
Total population
600,000-2,000,000
Regions with significant populations
Majority in Yunnan
Minority in Guangxi · Sichuan · Shanghai · Guangdong · Guizhou · Chongqing
Languages
Burmese · English · Chinese · Kachin · Shan
Religion
Buddhism · Christianity · Islam · Animism
Related ethnic groups
Burmese diaspora

Due to long historical contacts and border instability, there is an increasing flux of Burmese who come to China. Most of them are refugees, but some are immigrants and economic expats. Despite this, there are also Burmese citizens who have been residing in China for long time or were born as Burmese Chinese. The relationship between China and Myanmar has been very complicated since.

Ethnicity

The majority of Burmese in China are of ethnic Kachin, whom are believed to be persecuted by the Tatmadaw, although there are also significant Sino-Burmese people, as well as the minority of Shan and Wa people in China.

Migration history

Burmese have fled to China since the Burmese civil war escalated into civil war status. Following Chinese economic reform in 1978, China began to aid Burmese refugees and Burmese people. China also provided socioeconomic support for Burmese Chinese refugees moving from Burma to China, as well as other ethnic minorities.

There also exist a lot of Kachin and Shan people who helped to provide support for Burmese refugees of Kachin and Shan ethnicities.

Current status

Burmese people in China mostly live in Yunnan although there are other regions in China such as Chongqing are also home of Burmese immigrants.

Discrimination

Although China is tolerant towards Burmese refugees, due to both being ethnic and linguistic similarities, there is some hostility against Burmese refugees. Many Burmese have become victims of racial tensions among Chinese. However, such tensions are usually inflicted by smugglers, and not by the general populace.

Burmese women being kidnapped by Chinese and Burmese smugglers and forced into marriage is commonplace. Also many Burmese girls have become inflicted with HIV/AIDS.

References
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