The Making of Border Infrastructures: Evolution and Interaction with Cross-border Migration on the China–Myanmar Border

Résumé 0

This paper explores the evolution of border infrastructures along the China–Myanmar border, with a focus on the city of Ruili. It traces the historical development of these infrastructures, from their minimal military presence to early market-driven functions, and eventually to the growing emphasis on security. The study highlights the interaction between shifting institutional logics, economic growth, national security, and geopolitical strategy, and the continued resilience of cross-border migration. Despite increased restrictions and security measures, migration flows have remained persistent, driven by economic, familial, and cultural ties. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, in-depth interviews with various stakeholders, and archival data, this paper examines how infrastructure has shaped, and been shaped by, state policy, local actors, and even non-state actors. The research demonstrates that border infrastructure is not a static entity but a dynamic system influenced by multilevel governance and the competing interests of various stakeholders. This paper argues that while the central government’s shift towards security-centric infrastructure has transformed the border region, market-driven logic and migration networks continue to exert significant influence. The study offers insights into the future trajectory of border governance in an era of increasing geopolitical tension and examines how the cumulative effects of these infrastructures impact social, economic, and political outcomes in the China–Myanmar borderlands.