BEIJING:

A terrifying 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, claiming the lives of over 2,800 individuals and leaving the nation in ruins. As the humanitarian crisis unfolded, international rescue teams rushed to help, with Chinese relief workers taking a prominent role, donning bright blue and orange uniforms as they showed up in rescue videos circulating on social media.

Many social media posts express gratitude towards China, which has pledged £100 million (around US$13.76 million) in aid. The first shipment, including tents, blankets, and first aid kits, arrived in Yangon on Monday, highlighting China's swift response amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

In stark contrast, the United States, historically a leading humanitarian donor, has offered only US$2 million in aid, alongside a delayed three-member assessment team that has struggled to obtain visas from Myanmar's military regime. Experts suggest that the American response reflects cuts made during the Trump administration, which significantly weakened the US government's capacity for rapid disaster response.

Marcia Wong, a former senior official at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), noted the vacuum created by these cuts has allowed other countries, such as China and India, to step up and fill in the void. "We have created a vacuum which can allow other actors to step in," she cautioned, illustrating a crucial shift in the international humanitarian landscape.

As rescue efforts unfolded, China's multi-faceted response has been unprecedented, deploying specialized teams of medical workers, earthquake experts, and rescue dogs to provide assistance in impacted areas like Mandalay and Sagaing. Meanwhile, India's foreign ministry reported that it delivered 625 tons of aid and has also set up mobile hospitals, further demonstrating regional solidarity in the face of disaster.

Chinese state media outlets have actively reported on their relief efforts, with English-language broadcaster CGTN providing live updates from the frontline. Analysts suggest that China has successfully opened a "humanitarian corridor," showcasing its influence over both Myanmar's military junta and various rebel factions within the country.

The junta's complex history with both China and opposition forces complicates the narrative, with many in Myanmar harboring distrust towards Beijing due to its backing of the military government. A recent poll revealed that 65% of Myanmar’s respondents expressed distrust of China, a figure that underscores a critical, if shifting, landscape of public sentiment.

Despite the contentious political backdrop, the National Unity Government of Myanmar—a parallel administration formed by deposed officials, including members of Aung San Suu Kyi's government—expressed "profound gratitude" for the international rescue teams that promptly arrived to aid their citizens in crisis.

This situation underscores a significant shift in regional dynamics, as China's proactive stance during this disaster gives it an opportunity to rebrand its image in Myanmar. In contrast, reduced US engagement may weaken Washington's influence in the region, pushing local sentiments toward foreign powers that show readiness to assist during times of dire need.

As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake amidst ongoing civil strife, the essential roles of international aid and rapid response operations will continue to evolve, reflecting the broader geopolitical tussles at play in Southeast Asia.