The first international freight train linking Chongqing and Lincang in Southwest China with Myanmar sets off from Chongqing on May 23, 2022. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In his message, Xi said that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and grown even stronger. In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Qian Jiayin, U Thant Kyaw (Thant Kyaw), chairman of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, said that no matter how the times may change, it's expected that Myanmar and China will remain "Paukphaw" (literally "siblings from the same womb") committed to closer cooperation across various fields based on mutual trust and understanding.


GT: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. The two countries are connected by mountains and rivers and have lived as neighbors for generations. How do you assess the development and current state of China-Myanmar relations over these 75 years? 

Thant Kyaw: The "Paukphaw" relationship between Myanmar and China has evolved significantly over the years, expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including politics, the economy, trade, investment and education. Myanmar was among the first countries to recognize the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Since China's reform and opening-up in 1978, Myanmar has continued to strengthen its longstanding relationship with China. In 2011, the two countries elevated their diplomatic ties to the level of a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."

Most recently, in May this year, on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union in Moscow, President Xi met with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing. The two leaders held cordial discussions on further enhancing bilateral relations. The Myanmar side reiterated that Myanmar attaches great importance to its relations with China and is always willing to be a friendly neighbor worthy of China's trust.

Therefore, no matter how the times may change, it's expected that Myanmar and China will remain "Paukphaw" committed to closer cooperation across various fields based on mutual trust and understanding.
 

GT: In March, a devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. The Chinese government and people promptly extended a helping hand, providing support for Myanmar's disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction efforts. In your view, how does the mutual assistance between the peoples of China and Myanmar during this disaster reflect the deep essence of the "Paukphaw" friendship? 

Thant Kyaw: A massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, with its epicenter near the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, resulting in widespread loss of life, injuries, and destruction of homes and infrastructure.

During the critical "Golden Hour" following the disaster, Chinese rescue teams arrived in Myanmar within 18 hours, providing essential disaster relief assistance. Furthermore, the Chinese government extended emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar. This timely response reflects the spirit of "Paukphaw" cherished between the two countries, which encourages cooperation and shared responsibility in joint rescue efforts, the provision of vital supplies and the exchange of expertise to mitigate the impact of the earthquake.

The mutual support and understanding forged in the face of adversity will continue to deepen the bond of our "Paukphaw" friendship. We will always remain deeply grateful for China's enduring support.


GT: In the current international landscape marked by intertwined changes and challenges to multilateral cooperation, what lessons can be drawn from the development of China-Myanmar relations for contemporary international relations? 

Thant Kyaw: The current global landscape is increasingly characterized by volatility, unpredictability, complexity and uncertainty across nearly all domains. At the same time, the emergence of a multipolar world order is progressing steadily, offering the potential to restore global balance and stability. However, the rules-based international order is deteriorating. In this context, both Myanmar and China are working together to uphold the fundamental norms of international relations, such as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Moreover, Myanmar believes that China's peaceful rise as a global power plays a constructive role in maintaining and promoting security and prosperity both in the region and globally. Despite sharing a long border of over 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometers), Myanmar and China have no major territorial disputes and have successfully resolved issues - big or small - through peaceful negotiations. This model of cooperation stands as a positive example for others to follow.


GT: In recent years, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China and Myanmar have engaged in fruitful cooperation across multiple sectors. In your view, what opportunities has the BRI brought to Myanmar's economic and social development? 

Thant Kyaw: Since 2017, Myanmar has embraced the BRI, a vast program of infrastructure and economic development projects. These include highways, pipelines, railways, deep-water ports, airports, new cities, special economic zones and power grids, along with related port and logistics upgrades in participating countries.

For Myanmar, participating in the BRI presents significant opportunities to meet its urgent demand for critical infrastructure. The initiative also offers a chance to attract new investment flows and stimulate economic growth. The two countries have agreed to implement several major infrastructure projects under the initiative, the most prominent being the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. This corridor includes - but is not limited to - the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and the Mandalay-Muse railway project.

In my opinion, Myanmar can achieve its economic and social development goals through sustained and mutually beneficial collaboration with China under the BRI framework.


GT: Security cooperation has been one of the key aspects of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism.  In recent years, under the framework of the LMC, China and Myanmar have made notable progress in combating cross-border crimes, especially in addressing non-traditional security threats such as telecom fraud and online gambling. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of China-Myanmar security cooperation? In your view, what insights does this cooperation mechanism offer for regional security governance? 

Thant Kyaw: Myanmar has been working closely with China through the LMC to combat transnational crimes, including online gambling, telecommunications fraud, illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime and firearms smuggling. Our effective security cooperation has been carried out through information sharing, monitoring, joint operations and border control.

We hope to see the Lancang-Mekong Sub-region emerge as one of the regions with the greatest development potential in Asia and beyond, and we should intensify efforts to eradicate criminal syndicates in our region, applying a zero-tolerance approach.

The persistent and escalating threats posed by transboundary crimes undermine the security and stability of the Lancang-Mekong region, as well as the safety and well-being of its people. Therefore, we should further strengthen cooperation on regional security governance and economic integration, especially with China prioritizing the security-development nexus to effectively address these daunting challenges.


GT: The landmark inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit was held in late May. In the face of threats and uncertainties caused by the US' tariff policy, ASEAN countries are working with other Global South countries to enhance regional economic resilience and safeguard multilateral interests through diversified cooperation. How do you view this effort? 

Thant Kyaw: In my view, globalization favors the developing world. The US misuse of tariffs disrupts the entire global supply chain, trade and economy. Meanwhile, bilateral and multilateral efforts have become more visible recently, and countries belonging to the Global South are striving to close the global gap.

The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in May this year aimed to promote cooperation within the Global South and further strengthen our confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system under the WTO. At the summit, the leaders reaffirmed their collective resolve to work together to unlock the full potential of the partnership and to ensure that their cooperation translates into tangible benefits for their peoples.

Therefore, as an outstanding partner, ASEAN plays a pivotal role in facilitating regional economic resilience and safeguarding multilateral interests through diversified cooperation. Furthermore, China has made significant contributions to globalization and multilateralism, acting as a major player in enabling the Global South to evolve toward a fairer and more inclusive form of global cooperation.