Identity and Public Administration of the Myanmar Settlers on China's Border: A Comparative-Empirical Study of Myanmar Students and Local Officials*

Based on the interviews and questionnaires with 45 Myanmar settlers and 55 administrative staff living and working in three border areas (two cities and one county) in southwest China, this article aims to explore the political, cultural, and social identity of the Myanmar settlers. In addition, this article compares responses from Myanmar settlers and local Chinese officials in order to more thoroughly analyze the situation of the immigrants. It finds that the immigrants' social, cultural and political connection with China is strong. Thus there is not a big concern regarding the impact generated from the immigrants' diverse identities to the local administration. This article suggests that some measures should be adopted to help the newcomers integrate into local society, which can not only help the immigrants to improve their quality of life but can also improve social stability and order. In a theoretical sense, this article also examines challenges caused by social diversity to a government who wants to maintain social harmony and safeguard social order.