Agence France-Press (AFP) interviewed John Ciorciari in article, "In Myanmar trip, U.S. seeks clout on China doorstep"

John Ciorciari was interviewed for an Agence France-Press (AFP) article, published by Yahoo! News, about U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's upcoming visit to Burma, the first of a senior U.S. official since 1955.

According to the article's author, the prospect of a relationship between the U.S. and Burma, a close neighbor to China, is a key factor for Clinton's visit. As Ciorciari explained, Burma's "strategic importance to the United States is closely connected to concerns about rising Chinese influence."

"To Beijing, Burma offers the possibility of natural resources and warm-water ports on the Indian Ocean that could be crucial in expanding China's naval reach," he said. "Successful U.S. engagement would lessen the likelihood of a strong Sino-Myanmar [Burma] alignment in years ahead."

[Also read Ciorciari's interview with the Christian Science Monitor]