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.

Due to long historical contacts and border instability, there exists a flux of wave of Burmese come to China. Most of them are refugees, but some are immigrants and economic expats. However, there are also Burmese citizens living in China for long time or Burmese Chinese. The relationship between China and Myanmar has been very complicated since.

Ethnicity

Majority of Burmese in China are of ethnic Kachin, whom they 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 run to China since the Burmese civil war escalated into war level. Following Chinese economic reform at 1978, China began to aid Burmese refugees and Burmese people. Also China provided supports for Burmese Chinese refugees moving from Burma to China, as well as other ethnic minorities.

There also exist a lot of long time 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 tolerance towards Burmese refugees, there exist hostility over Burmese refugees as well. Many Burmese have become victims of racial tensions among Chinese.

Burmese women are thought to be kidnapped by Chinese and Burmese smugglers and forced marriage are commons. Also many Burmese girls have become inflicted with HIV/AIDS.

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