China’s proposal has no guarantee that all of the Rohingya would be allowed to return home, let alone secure recognition or citizenship (most Rohingya are considered “stateless”). Once they crossed back into Myanmar, the Rohingya returnees would be at the mercy of the same Tatmadaw that dispatched them to Bangladesh. Without the international community overseeing the return of Rohingya, the Myanmar authorities can do as they wish. Myanmar’s ethnic-cleansing generals will be able to retreat deeper into China’s orbit, unburdened by any fears of being held accountable. China has the diplomatic, humanitarian and economic resources to make a real difference in the lives of the Rohingya.

Source: New York Times December 05, 2017 06:45 UTC