In geopolitical struggle over Myanmar, China has an edge over US, other nations seeking to shape events The Chinese government, according to experts, sees the coup as “a moment of opportunity” to undercut the inroads the United States and other Asian nations made during Myanmar’s halting democratic opening Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi gather outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday to protest the military takeover. s the United States and other nations denounce the coup, China has a chance to build up its influence. Adam Dean/The New York Times Less than three weeks before Myanmar’s military overthrew its elected government, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, made a hastily scheduled visit to the country and heaped praise on its generals.