Heavy fighting continues in Myanmar's Kokang region despite the ongoing peace talks between the Myanmar government and the Kokang ethnic rebels. The fighting near the China-Myanmar border has at times spilled into Chinese territory, as was seen on March 13 when a bomb killed five Chinese nationals.

Such conflicts have plagued Myanmar ever since it became independent 67 years ago and have their roots in the political and economic differences between the Myanmar central government and regional minorities.

Because of the limited success in its pursuit of unification and stability, Myanmar has gradually slid into recession and become the last option for foreign investors. Worse, the intensifying conflicts between government forces and ethnic rebels have dealt a deadly blow to the country's global image, which is vital for the success of Myanmar's national election at the end of this year and eventual democratic transformation.