View: With Myanmar in balance, West must beware sledgehammer sanctions SECTIONS Share Synopsis The thing is, Myanmar doesn’t react well to international pressure. If Myanmar is not allowed to diversify its engagement, it will end up once again in a toxic relationship with China, to the detriment of everyone else in the region. Myanmar has continued to play all sides – in the past decade Japan, India, Russia, Indonesia and Singapore have deepened their engagement in Myanmar recognising its geo-strategic importance The world – certainly India – has deep stakes in Myanmar. Let’s acknowledge this reality before rushing to consign our next door neighbour to perdition after last week’s coup.