Economic Relations between China and GMS countries: contents, characteristics and implications

Abstract

This paper mainly analyzes the economic relations between China and five GMS countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) since 1990s, especially in the 21st century. It describes the contents from trade, investment, regional economic cooperation, and analyzes its Characteristics and implications from the perspective of International Politics Economy (IPE). This paper argues that there are both political and economic meanings in China's Economic Relations with other GMS countries, which is an important measure for China's strategies of peaceful rising, keeping a harmonious surrounding and "going out". Economic Relations are necessary but not sufficient for China to maintain good-neighborly relations with other GMS countries. The driving force from Regional Economic Integration is not so obvious, and sub-national governments don't fully play their roles. Moreover, the Economic Relations are increasingly subject to international polities, environments and social factors.