Burma's economic relations with China
Individual Documents
Sub-title:
Myanmar wants to expand its exports to other markets to hedge against a potential dip in demand from China, where a new respiratory virus has infected more than 14,000 people and killed more than 300, mostly from Hubei province, where illnesses from the new type of coronavirus were first detected in the city of Wuhan in December.
Description:
"China is now Myanmar’s largest export market. Already, trading of melons has come to a standstill and prices have halved, said U Naing Win, chair of the Myanmar Watermelon and Muskmelon Producers and Exporters Association. As such, preparations are being made for Myanmar to send more goods to other markets to avoid any volatility in demand from China.
“As the market has just reopened after the Chinese New Year break, we can’t tell the exact extent of the impact the Wuhan virus has on the export market yet. But we are working on seeking new border markets to export our goods in the event that the spread of the virus continues,” U Aung Htoo, Deputy Minister for Commerce, said in a press briefing on the drafting of the National Export Strategy 2020-2025 on January 31. Plans have also been made to export more goods via air and maritime routes to offset slower trade at the border.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, China has stopped importing melons from Myanmar and stockpiles of fruit are being held in Yunnan province. Around 80 percent of total border trade takes place at the Muse trade gate on the Myanmar-China border..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-02-03
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Tuberculosis and other lung/respiratory tract diseases, Burma's economic relations with China, Border Trade with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Trade volume between Myanmar and China is reached to US$1.337 billion within two months of this fiscal year and Myanmar had a trade surplus as it imported US$551 million worth of products from China, according to Ministry of Commerce.
Myanmar exported over US$785 million worth of products to China in that period.
Both countries are opened business centers and implemented to boost border trade and investments, according to the ministry.
The ministry will sign MoUs with the China to establish border economic cooperation zones and will invite tender for Expression of Interest (EOI) for local businessmen to participate to work in the zones, said Dr Than Myint, Union Minister for Commerce.
“We will call for EOI to develop border economic cooperation zones in Muse, Nantkhan, Kanpiketie, Laukkai and Chinshwehaw,” said the minister..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-28
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
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Description:
"Shan fruit wholesalers in Muse on the Shan State-China border have been asked to temporarily stop exports to Myanmar’s northern neighbour as the coronavirus spreads, according to Shan News.
Sai Khin Maung, chairperson of the local Wholesalers’ Association, said that it is difficult to send vehicles across the border with goods to sell, the news agency said.
“Chinese officials have strictly tightened security at the border entrance gates. Transportation is really difficult at this moment,” he told Shan News. China closed hotels and casinos in Ruili town, which is opposite Muse in Yunnan Province, on January 26 with the aim of containing the coronavirus..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-02-02
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
""Paukphaw”, which literally means born together, implying not only a shared destiny but racial kinship, was reinforced through strong political and economic bonds between Myanmar and China last week. Xi Jinping became the first Chinese leader to visit Nay Pyi Taw on a hugely significant state visit ( January 17-18) since Jiang Zemin back in 2001. The event received not more than a modicum of interest here, but it could have a serious geopolitical impact on India.
If India is concerned about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, it now has more reason to worry about CMEC (China-Myanmar Economic Corridor) that just moved from being a concept to reality. The CMEC is less about oil and gas — there are pipelines running through Myanmar already — and more about reducing dependence on the Malacca Straits and access to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
The CMEC includes the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in the troubled Rakhine state along with a special economic zone (SEZ), the China-Myanmar border economic zone (the two countries share a 2,200 km-long border) and the newly announced Yangon urban development project (which is still at MoU stage)..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-26
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with India, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, China-Burma-India relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Irrespective of India’s Look East, US sanctions or UK sanctions in Myanmar, China has been out there in Myanmar, parked with a consistent policy and focus—and backed by economic muscle. When the mighty fall, they fall hard! What greater irony than witness the beacon of democracy, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, defend the country’s military against genocide (of the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority) at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and inch towards China’s orbit? Over the last decade, Myanmar has been open to the West, to India and the larger neighbourhood. Pragmatically speaking, because of the Rohingya issue, the ensuing sanctions and the clampdown by the West, Myanmar sees an economic lifeline in China. But China aside, Myanmar will continue to hedge its bets with other countries. The talk of Myanmar gravitating towards China’s orbit has emerged following President Xi Jinping’s two-day trip to Myanmar, a ‘historical moment’, as Xi called it. The trip, the first in 19 years by a Chinese leader, visibly shored up China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Myanmar, with 33 China-Myanmar deals inked through memorandums of understanding (MoU) and agreements. Xi also met military chief General Min Aung Hlaing, singled out for sanctions by the US for the abuses against the Rohingyas..."
Source/publisher:
"The Financial Express" (Uttar Pradesh)
Date of publication:
2020-02-01
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The trip produced a mixed outlook for New Delhi’s perceptions of Beijing’s inroads in the wider Indo-Pacific.
Description:
"Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a two-day visit to Myanmar, the first for Xi in his current capacity and his first overseas visit of 2020. Viewed from the perspective of growing Chinese inroads in the Indian Ocean, Xi’s trip spotlighted Beijing’s continued efforts to make geopolitical gains in line with its broader regional interests, which will be of concern to India.
While there may have been some surprise about Xi’s choice of Myanmar for his trip, it is in fact in line with China’s continued interest in making inroads with respect to the Indian Ocean. With the Myanmar visit, Xi has effectively completed his key neighborhood trips, having traveled through the Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2014, Pakistan in 2015, Bangladesh in 2016, and Nepal in 2019.
From India’s perspective, New Delhi can be none too pleased with China’s constant forays into the wider Indian Ocean region. But at least for now, India appears to be letting Myanmar’s natural caution limit China’s influence.
The significance of Xi’s trip ought not to be understated. It has been nearly two decades since a Chinese leader has traveled to Myanmar. While consolidating political and strategic ties are important for China, like in Nepal, there has been skepticism in Myanmar about partnering with China on the Belt and Road projects. But at the same time, given the difficult times that Myanmar is faced with internationally, clearly Myanmar is looking for support from China, which comes at a price.
Consolidation and implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor was an important item in Xi’s Myanmar agenda and China has been quite successful on that front as the joint statement clearly outlined. China has other security interests as well, seeing Myanmar as a potential gateway to the Indian Ocean..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan) via "Observer Research Foundation (ORF)" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-24
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
China’s banks supporting BRI projects should apply environmental risk-management policies and oversight, says Divya Narain
Description:
"China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is intended to catalyse the economies of countries around the globe.
Yet BRI projects overlap some of the most ecologically fragile places on earth. The multi-trillion-dollar initiative – to build transcontinental networks of roads, railways and ports, studded with dams, mines, power plants, and solar and wind farms – has its environmental impacts. These include air and water pollution, soil contamination and erosion, habitat and wildlife loss.
For project developers and funders, failure to address these impacts can translate into regulatory and reputational risks. So they need to take mitigation seriously.
Risks confronting developers can include penalties, legal action and backlash from communities causing project delays and even closures. According to a 2018 study, 14% of BRI projects in 66 countries have faced some kind of local pushback..."
Source/publisher:
"Chinadialogue" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-30
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-31
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Nation’s most volatile and fast shifting armed conflict complicates China’s Belt and Road ambitions
Description:
"Historically ethnic conflict in modern Myanmar has been a glacially slow-moving disaster, debilitating the nation’s politics while shifting only incrementally from one decade to the next.
In 2019, the eruption, spread and intensification of nationalist revolt in Rakhine state abruptly upended that familiar landscape with sobering implications for an already fragmented and floundering peace process and domestic security more broadly.
The new war in Rakhine state, pitting the military against the local Arakan Army (AA), a widely popular force led by a young and ideologically committed leadership, is also increasingly impacting Myanmar’s regional standing at a range of levels. China’s push for economic connectivity to the Bay of Bengal, stage-center during President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to Myanmar, will now need to navigate the hostilities already lapping close to the projected deep-sea port and special economic zone at Kyaukphyu, a crucial component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Poor prospects for any repatriation of the Muslim Rohingya refugee population camped in neighboring Bangladesh, estimated as high as one million, are now further receding, while additional migrant flows out of the state towards Southeast Asia are slowly gathering pace..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-29
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Armed conflict in Rakhine (Arakan) State, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
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Description:
"China’s growing strategic ties with Myanmar, evident from Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping’s recent sojourn to the administrative capital of Naypyidaw, are causing consternation in New Delhi.
Not only is Beijing’s outreach to Myanmar challenging India’s Neighborhood First policy, which seeks vigorous engagement with Myanmar and other South Asian neighbors, it is also an attempt to gain a back door to the Indian Ocean, foreign policy analysts say, describing it as ominous for geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean, apart from the ramifications for the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to keep China’s regional ambitions in check.
The US administration of President Donald Trump has simply ignored the country along with much of the rest of Asia after overtures by Barack Obama, who initiated diplomatic relations, suspended economic sanctions and laid on high-level visits in the wake of then-President Thein Sein’s attempt to build on the 2010 constitution with reforms and open the country to global investment. With Myanmar facing international sanctions over its near genocide against minority Rohingya Muslims and other countries backing away, China has stepped into the vacuum.
Although Xi’s trip to Myanmar was described as a “goodwill visit” to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, pretty much like all things Chinese, there was a considerable agenda..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Sentinel"
Date of publication:
2020-01-28
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-India relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with India, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The guns of civil conflict fell silent during the visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping – a pause in fighting that not even State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi can achieve.
Description:
"WEEKS before the visit by President Xi Jinping, local media outlets were focusing on the relationship between China and Myanmar.
I especially enjoyed two cartoons drawn by Myanmar cartoonists before Xi arrived.
One showed a fat Chinese man dressed in red talking to three men sitting on the floor. “When we visit, we don’t want to hear any noises,” he’s saying. The three men, who are wearing uniforms and have rifles beside them, reply, “Yes”.
The other cartoon is in two blocks, one above the other. The top one shows rats running in circles and antagonising each other. The bottom image shows the rats all smiles with arms around each other’s shoulders as a big red cat clad in the flag of the People’s Republic of China enters the room with a stern expression.
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The cartoons were caustic comments on the recent quiescence of ethnic armed groups. In the days ahead of Xi’s arrival, the guns of war were indeed silent..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-26
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies), Armed conflict and peace-building in Burma - theoretical, strategic and general, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to “solve” persistent gunrunning to Myanmar insurgents
Description:
"When Chinese President Xi Jinping met Myanmar’s military commander-in-chief Senior General Ming Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw earlier this month, it was not clear which of the two raised the issue first. But side-stepping the 800 pound gorilla in the room — new Chinese weaponry fueling Myanmar’s civil wars — was never going to be an option.
Over the past year, those Chinese weapons have cost the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw, hundreds of lives. And as the fighting season gathers pace in western Rakhine state, the likelihood of another high death toll in 2020 will cast a long shadow in army circles over the triumphant hailing of a “new era” in Sino-Myanmar amity and cooperation that attended Xi’s historic state visit. Almost certainly not by coincidence, the day before the January 18 meeting – the sixth meeting between Xi and Min Aung Hlaing — the Tatmadaw’s public relations wing ensured that the “discovery” of a rebel cache of Chinese munitions made on January 15 in Hsenwi township in northern Shan state received wide media publicity..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-28
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies), Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Transparency must be improved and deep concerns addressed, says former presidential adviser Aung Tun Thet...A raft of infrastructure deals have just been signed, including for a strategically important deep-sea port project.
Description:
"Chinese companies need to improve transparency when they invest in Myanmar, a former presidential adviser in the Southeast Asian nation said, after the two sides signed a slew of infrastructure deals.
Deep public concerns in Myanmar, especially over Beijing’s intentions in the country, must also be addressed, Aung Tun Thet told the South China Morning Post.
“It’s very important that people understand, because what has happened in the past is people do not know what went on, and because they don’t know, then they get worried,” said the prominent economist in Myanmar and adviser to former president Thein Sein. “They get worried not because they object to anything, they get worried because they don’t know what is going on,” he said. “I think a lot of work needs to be done to convince the general population … that it is for the good of the country and it’s good for the people.”..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-28
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Four priority BRI projects in Myanmar promise to make China a balance-of-power tilting Indian Ocean force
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Myanmar this month did not attract much regional media buzz, with most reports portraying the trip as more well-worn official promotion of his signature US$1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
But if the four most important of 33 agreements Xi signed with his Myanmar hosts during his tour are actually implemented – a big if considering BRI’s spotty follow through on ballyhooed projects – they would have far-reaching economic, political and strategic implications for South and Southeast Asia.
The first of those big four are ambitious plans to build a high-speed railroad from Myanmar’s northern border with southern China down to the central city of Mandalay and eventually to Myanmar’s southern coast. The second aims to push forward the stalled Kyaukphyu port project situated on the Bay of Bengal, an initiative that would give China de facto access to the Indian Ocean and shift that region’s strategic calculus, particularly vis-à-vis India.
The third is a proposed mega-project to build a “new city” opposite Myanmar’s former capital Yangon, a scheme that would effectively give China a unique hold on the nation’s commercial hub and underscore Beijing’s tightening grip on the country’s broad economy..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-27
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
International Court of Justice ordered emergency steps to protect Rohingya, threatening Myanmar’s European trade privileges...China accounts for a quarter of all foreign direct investment into Myanmar, second only to Singapore, government data shows.
Description:
"Myanmar signalled that closer ties with China offer an economic buffer if human-rights concerns cause Western nations to curb trade privileges or investment.
The persecution of the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority has sparked global condemnation, and led to an International Court of Justice order last week for emergency steps to protect Rohingya from genocide. The controversy imperils Myanmar’s European trade privileges and is spurring calls for sanctions.
“The more sanctions Western countries impose on us, the more likely that is to boost our ties with our Asian alliances,” Commerce Minister Than Myint said in an interview in the capital, Naypyidaw. “We’ve opened the door to everyone.” During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Myanmar earlier in January – the first state visit by a Chinese leader in almost two decades – the two countries agreed to expedite several projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Yet a tightening embrace of China risks leaving Myanmar overreliant on its giant neighbour, a concern that has long vexed some officials.
“When it comes to mega projects, we always want to see more options,” Than Myint said in the January 21 interview. “So we usually encourage Western companies not to be worried about doing business here. If they decide not to come, then we will have no choice but to cooperate with Asian partners.”
In records going back to 1988, China accounts for a quarter of all foreign direct investment into Myanmar, second only to Singapore, government data shows..."
Source/publisher:
"Bloomberg News" (New York) via "South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-27
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been a recurrent hostage to downturns in India-Pakistan relations, which has often led New Delhi to turn to subregional initiatives, as has been witnessed by the current prime minister’s invitation to the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to his swearing-in ceremony last year. BIMSTEC comprises five countries in South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka – and two in Southeast Asia, Myanmar and Thailand.
Going by the past records, India’s approach to subregional initiatives has been marred by a lack of leadership, resources and institutionalization. For instance, it took 17 years for BIMSTEC to establish a permanent secretariat in Dhaka, in 2014. Similarly, the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) remained a Track II initiative for India until 2013 despite the rhetoric as to the perceived importance of subregional groupings. However, India is poised to focus more on subregional initiatives considering that the possibility of a resurrection of SAARC seems remote. New Delhi’s endeavor in this direction, nonetheless, has met a powerful tide from the reverse direction in the shape of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-23
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with India, China-Burma-India relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
For Delhi, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor derails efforts to discredit the Belt and Road Initiative
Description:
"The state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Myanmar on January 17-18, the first of its kind in 19 years, was a transformative event in regional politics from the perspective of China-Myanmar bilateral relations as well as regional security, something that should be of major concern for India.
A “comprehensive strategic partnership” is moving toward building a “Myanmar-China community with a shared future based on the aims of mutual benefits, equality and win-win cooperation,” as the joint statement issued after Xi’s visit frames it.
Xi said in his banquet speech in the capital Naypyidaw that the reason the “Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship between the two countries can last thousands of years” is that they have “stood together through thick and thin, and adhered to mutual respect and mutual benefit.” He urged the two countries to be “good neighbors like passengers on the same boat” and create a more favorable environment for their economic and social development..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-24
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-India relations, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with India
Language:
more
Description:
"The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Myanmar on January 17-18 marks the return of China to a position of dominance in a country which has traditionally been wary of its powerful northern neighbour. From 1990 to 2010, China had taken full advantage of the international isolation of Myanmar and its interethnic conflicts to emerge as the most important influence in the country.
Since overturning the results of the elections which were won by the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the military junta which captured power, which it is still loathe to give up, had used China as its political shield. China, which had kept governments in Yangon off-balance by providing weapons and sanctuaries to ethnic groups inhabiting the border regions, provided relief by promoting ceasefire or arms for peace agreements with the military junta, in exchange for local autonomy.
For a now fast-growing China in need of resources, raw material and markets, political influence translated quickly into preferential trade access and opportunities for the exploitation of Myanmar’s virtually untapped resources. These included minerals, timber and agricultural products. China was also the main supplier of weapons to the military. Chinese penetration into Myanmar was secured through the building of major highways linking southern China with Myanmar. Border trade was promoted through several border trade points. In ethnic areas adjacent to China, regional autonomy was leveraged to establish close trade and economic relations over which the central government had tenuous control. Chinese investment in these ethnic areas led to their being more integrated with southern China than with the rest of Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-24
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-India relations, Burma's economic relations with India, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Description:
"The flags of China and Myanmar waved side by side along the roads of Myanmar’s capital city over the weekend, as Chinese Paramount Leader Xi Jinping visited the Buddhist-majority nation to draw it more tightly into China’s orbit.
“Let us work hand in hand to build an even closer China-Myanmar community with a shared future and write a new chapter for our millennia-old ‘pauk-phaw’ friendship,” Xi wrote in Myanmar’s Myanma Alinn Daily on the eve of his trip, using a phrase meaning “fraternal” in the Burmese language. Xi’s “hand in hand” work with Myanmar’s leadership over the following two days resulted in the signing of 33 agreements that will accelerate construction of infrastructure projects related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This is the project China brands as a 21st-century version of the ancient Silk Road, to facilitate trade across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The most notable Myanmar-based bri projects are a railway running from China to Kyaukpyu on Myanmar’s west coast, and a full-scale operational deep-sea port there..."
Source/publisher:
"The Trumpet" (USA)
Date of publication:
2020-01-22
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Some of Myanmar’s ethnic political parties on Wednesday expressed concern over potential negative impacts of China’s planned multibillion-dollar mega-projects in their regions, days after the two countries’ leaders signed more than 30 memorandums of understanding regarding the deals.
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 33 MoUs for Chinese-backed projects in the Southeast Asia country, many of which fall under the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on Jan. 18, the second day of the Xi’s two-day state visit to Myanmar.
Among the deals signed was a concession and shareholders agreement on the U.S. $1.3 billion-dollar Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and economic zone in Rakhine state, a letter of intent for a new urban development in the commercial hub Yangon, an MoU on local cooperation under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) between southwest China and Myanmar’s Mandalay region, and feasibility studies for high-speed rail links and expressways, according to the official Global New Light of Myanmar.
A signature policy of Xi’s, the multitrillion-dollar BRI infrastructure investment and lending program that will link China with Asia, Africa, and Europe entails the building of border economic cooperation zones in Myanmar’s war-torn Shan and Kachin states..."
Source/publisher:
"Radio Free Asia (RFA)" (USA)
Date of publication:
2020-01-22
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Topic:
Rakhine State, Myitsone Dam, Myanmar, Xi Jinping
Topic:
Rakhine State, Myitsone Dam, Myanmar, Xi Jinping
Description:
"A high-speed rail line to the east, a deep-sea port to the west, and a makeover for commercial heart Yangon -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar on Friday laden with investment pledges worth billions which could reshape the country. Here are five of the main projects -- and some of the issues plaguing them:
The crown jewel of Xi's two-day visit will be a $1.3 billion deep-sea port off Myanmar's troubled western Rakhine state.
The Kyaukphyu port will serve as Beijing's gateway to the Indian Ocean. Myanmar has successfully hammered down the price from $7.2 billion to swerve fears of a Chinese debt-trap, but will still pick up 30 percent of the bill.
Alongside the port, swathes of paddy fields and teak forests are poised to be transformed into a vast industrial zone of garment and food processing factories.
Officials insist ethnic Rakhine will be the first in line for some of the 400,000 jobs the zone is slated to bring -- but many suspect the benefits will mainly be siphoned off outside the state.
The port is the centre piece of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) project -- a key thread in China's global Belt and Road vision..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping ended a two-day state visit to Myanmar on Saturday after attending the signing of a raft of agreements buttressing bilateral relations and advancing Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, in which his host country is a key player.
The two sides exchanged memoranda of understanding, letters and protocols covering 33 projects in the fields of information, industry, agriculture, security and the resettlement of internally displaced people in Myanmar’s war-torn Kachin State, which borders China.
The agreements were signed after a morning meeting between Xi and Myanmar’s leader, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.
READ MORE: To call China’s Belt and Road Initiative a ‘debt trap’ is prejudiced, says ex-ambassador to U.S.
The most significant pact appeared to be a concession and shareholder’s agreement for the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone on the Bay of Bengal. With a deep-water port, it is the terminus of the 1,700-kilometre- (1,055-mile-) long China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a major link in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative whose other end is in China’s Yunnan province..."
Source/publisher:
"Associated Press" (USA) via "Global News" (Toronto)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"China and Myanmar exchanged a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as politics, trade, investment and people-to-people communications amid President Xi Jinping's state visit on Saturday.
The exchange ceremony was attended by Xi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The two countries issued a joint statement the same day.
In his talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, Xi said the two countries should speed up connecting development strategies and jointly push the building of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Hailing the corridor as a flagship project for Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Xi said the two sides have initiated construction and the project should bring benefits to the people as soon as possible.
The two countries should focus on the building of major projects and promote connectivity, Xi said, adding the two sides should integrate the building of roads, railways and electricity projects to formulate a network of connectivity.
Xi pointed out China welcomes Myanmar to expand exports to China, and Chinese companies are encouraged to increase investment in Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
"China Daily" (Beijing)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"China and Myanmar agreed to accelerate several joint infrastructure deals and projects during President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to the country, giving new impetus to commercial relations that have revived under Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Xi visited Myanmar on January 17 and 18, marking the first time a Chinese leader traveled to the Southeast Asian country in nearly two decades and coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the two sides establishing formal diplomatic relations.
The two governments inked 33 agreements involving key infrastructure projects while agreeing to accelerate the implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor scheme, part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Most significantly, the two sides agreed to concession and shareholder agreements for the China-backed port project at Kyaukphyu in central Rakhine state. There are five agreements still to be signed on the project, according to Myanmar Deputy Commerce Minister Aung Htoo.
The deals are controversial, however, and could expose China to future political risks. Tun Kyi, coordinator of the community group Kyaukphyu Rural Development Association, said local villagers were not consulted during the negotiations of the two new agreements..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-21
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Beijing seeks to cement its hold over its neighbour increasingly isolated by West amid Rohingya crisis
Description:
"China and Myanmar yesterday inked dozens of deals related to Belt and Road Initiative to speed up infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation, as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbour increasingly isolated by the West.
But no major new projects were agreed during the two-day visit by President Xi Jinping, the first of any Chinese leader in 19 years. Analysts said Myanmar was generally cautious of investments by Beijing and was also being careful ahead of elections later this year.
Still, Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements shoring up key projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative, China’s vision of new trade routes described as a “21st century silk road”.
They agreed to hasten implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep sea-port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border, and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon.
They did not address a controversial $3.6 billion Beijing-backed mega dam, where work has been stalled since 2011, reflecting the contentiousness of Chinese investment in Myanmar, where many are uncomfortable with the sway Beijing has over its smaller neighbour..."
Source/publisher:
"The Daily Star" (Bangladesh)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, China-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
more
Description:
"During his visit to Myanmar, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 33 Memorandum of Understanding agreements, protocols and exchanges including the Kyaukphyu and Yangon development projects.
The 33 MoUs, Agreements, Protocols and Exchanges are as follows: ..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Xi Jinping’s visit – and the billions in development and investment deals signed – opens the door to greater stability in the region
Description:
"China and Myanmar have a long and complex history. But President Xi Jinping’s just-ended two-day visit, his inaugural foreign trip of the year and the first to the country by a Chinese leader in 19 years, was aimed at taking ties to a new level of friendship and trust, with mutual benefit at the core. On the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements shoring up key projects that are part of Beijing’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They agreed to hasten implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep-sea port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border, and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon. Completion of the projects will mean faster and more reliable delivery of crucial energy supplies to China from the Middle East and Africa while increasing Chinese infrastructure and investment opportunities, and for Myanmar, there will be development and jobs..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The pacts were signed during president Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to Myanmar, a first by a Chinese president in almost two decades...This will give a significant push to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to which Myanmar had signed onto in 2018 amid lack of investments from western countries.
Description:
"China and Myanmar, over the weekend, signed 33 bilateral agreements that are expected to strengthen ties between India’s eastern neighbor and Beijing.
The accords include those to construct a rail link and a deep-sea port – part of a China-Myanmar-Economic Corridor – that runs from China’s south-western region to the Bay of Bengal. This will give a significant push to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to which Myanmar had signed onto in 2018 amid lack of investments from western countries.
The pacts were signed during president Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to Myanmar, a first by a Chinese president in almost two decades. Xi’s visit to Myanmar was also his first abroad in the 2020 calendar year.
The pacts were signed against the backdrop of Myanmar State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi coming under increasing pressure from Western countries over its crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. A Myanmar military campaign in 2017-18 caused some 730,000 Rohingyas from Rakhine state to flee to Bangladesh. In December, Nobel Laureate Suu Kyi defended her country’s human rights record vis a vis the Rohingyas at a hearing at the Hague-based International Court of Justice and a ruling in expected this month..."
Source/publisher:
"livemint" (New Delhi)
Date of publication:
2020-01-20
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-India relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with India, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Description:
"China and Myanmar inked dozens of deals on Saturday to speed up infrastructure projects as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbor increasingly isolated by the West.
But no major new projects were agreed on during the two-day visit by President Xi Jinping, the first of any Chinese leader in 19 years. Analysts said Myanmar is generally cautious of investments by Beijing and is also being careful ahead of elections later this year.
Still, Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements shoring up key projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road initiative, China’s vision of new trade routes described as a “21st-century Silk Road.”
They agreed to hasten implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep sea-port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border, and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon.
They did not address a controversial $3.6 billion Beijing-backed mega-dam, where work has been stalled since 2011, reflecting the contentiousness of Chinese investment in Myanmar, where many are uncomfortable with the sway Beijing has over its smaller neighbor..."
Source/publisher:
"Reuters" (UK) via "Japan Times" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Description:
"China and Myanmar inked dozens of deals to speed up infrastructure projects in the South-East Asian nation, as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbour increasingly isolated by the West.
But no major new projects were agreed during the two-day visit by President Xi Jinping, the first of any Chinese leader in 19 years.
Analysts said Myanmar was generally cautious of investments by Beijing and was also being careful ahead of elections later this year.
Still, Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements yesterday shoring up key projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative, China’s vision of new trade routes described as a “21st century silk road”. They agreed to hasten implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep sea port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon.
At a welcoming ceremony on Friday, Xi hailed a “new era” of relations between the countries.
“We are drawing a future roadmap that will bring to life bilateral relations based on brotherly and sisterly closeness in order to overcome hardships together and provide assistance to each other, ” Xi said..."
Source/publisher:
"The Star Online" (Selangor)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Chinese president’s two-day trip comes as nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties...US sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders over alleged ‘serious human rights abuses’ described as a blow to Southeast Asian nation’s dignity.
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Myanmar this week is special in several ways. It is Xi’s first overseas trip of the year and the first visit to the Southeast Asian country by a Chinese president since 2001. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
A recent Xinhua commentary said that “a good neighbour is better than a far dwelling relative”, referring to China’s ties with Myanmar. Some observers view geopolitics concerning Myanmar in black-and-white terms: a National League for Democracy (NLD) government would lead to closer ties with the West and less so with China. The Rakhine issue effectively put paid to such earlier prognosis. If anything, there has yet to be any respite to the general downturn in relations between Myanmar and the West. In fact, the situation has worsened.
Following a round of sanctions by Western powers in 2018, the US treasury department last month imposed new sanctions against Myanmar’s top military leaders over alleged “serious human rights abuses”, a move that Myanmar’s military (the Tatmadaw) criticised as “targeted political pressure” which “hurt the dignity” of the military. A month earlier, the Tatmadaw was accused by the US of possessing chemical weapons..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-US relations, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Deal strengthens ties with Beijing as Aung San Suu Kyi faces foreign criticism for Rohingya crackdown
Description:
"Myanmar and China on Saturday signed 33 bilateral agreements that will bind the south-east Asian country closer to its giant neighbour, including rail and deep-sea port projects along an economic corridor linking China’s south-western interior to the Indian Ocean.
Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, and Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi agreed the projects — long under discussion as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative global infrastructure plan — on the second day of Mr Xi’s two-day visit to the capital Naypyidaw.
The agreements’ signing reflects deepening ties between Myanmar and China at a time when Aung San Suu Kyi’s government is under intense criticism internationally for the 2017-8 military campaign targeting minority Rohingya in Rakhine state, which killed thousands and exiled more than 730,000.
As part of China’s signature BRI project for the country, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the two sides on Saturday signed agreements on railways linking China to Kyaukpyu on the Bay of Bengal in Rakhine, and a final agreement on the building of a deep-sea port there.
The two sides also inked agreements providing for a special economic zone at the Chinese border and made oblique reference to New Yangon City, a planned new industrial quarter in Myanmar’s biggest city that the Chinese state-owned construction company CCCC has proposed building..."
Source/publisher:
"Financial Times" ( London)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi announced the decision during their formal talks in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday.
Xi said that enjoying a profound "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, China and Myanmar face new development opportunities in bilateral ties as both countries have entered a new stage of national development.
This time, the two sides have decided to jointly build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, ushering in a new era of bilateral relations, Xi said.
The president urged efforts to implement the decision, systematically plan and deploy next-phase exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, so as to push China-Myanmar relations to a higher level.
Firstly, Xi said, the two countries should accelerate the alignment of their development strategies and put more efforts into the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).
The two sides should advance their five-year plan for economic and trade cooperation, effectively dovetail their development strategies, and well implement their economic and trade as well as production capacity cooperation.
Stressing the overriding importance of the CMEC in their Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said the two sides have started the substantive construction of the CMEC, adding that the two sides should work to increase the sense of gain of both peoples, the Myanmar people especially, as soon as possible.
Secondly, the two countries should focus on flagship cooperation projects to strengthen connectivity, Xi said.
China and Myanmar have agreed to allow the Kyaukphyu projects to play a demonstrative and driving role in the CMEC, and accelerate the construction of the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City, so as to complete the overall layout of the economic corridor supported by the north, east and west ends..."
Source/publisher:
"CCTV" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called on China and Myanmar to maintain and develop their "Paukphaw" friendship, push forward bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and bring more benefits to the two nations.
Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The development of bilateral ties depends on the cooperation of the two peoples, and also the two militaries, Xi said. The Chinese president expressed his hope that the Myanmar military can enhance exchanges with the Chinese side to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of their shared border, and establish good conditions in order to boost the border's economic development. "China and Myanmar are champions of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China has always insisted on not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and respecting the development path chosen by the people of all countries," he said.
"The two sides should continue to understand and support each other, strengthen cooperation, firmly safeguard our respective sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard our common legitimate rights and interests, and safeguard the basic principles of international relations. China will continue to speak up for Myanmar in the international community," Xi continued..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Trip helps cement ‘new era’ for Beijing’s ties with its neighbour, which is facing growing international criticism over its treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority...Agreements see multibillion plan for Kyaukphyu port revived – a step that could allow China to bypass the Strait of Malacca where its South China Sea claims have faced a growing backlash.
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to Myanmar on Saturday after signing multibillion-dollar infrastructure deals, including one for a strategically important port in the Indian Ocean.
This investment and what both sides hailed as “new era” in relations offered a timely boost for Myanmar, which is facing increasing isolation from the West over its treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Following his arrival in the purpose-built capital of Naypyidaw on Friday afternoon, Xi met a number of key figures, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi, the effective head of the government, as well as military chief General Min Aung Hlaing. He also meet politicians from areas, some racked by ethnic conflict, where Chinese infrastructure projects are being planned or are under way.According to local media, the two sides signed 33 memorandums of understanding, agreements, exchange letters and protocols, 13 of which were related to infrastructure.
In a move that observers said could further cement Beijing’s economic and political influence, the two sides also agreed to push forward plans to develop the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, most notably the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone along the coast of the Bay of Bengal..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Along the Bay of Bengal on the west tip of Myanmar, the town of Kyaukpyu in Rakhine State sits tranquilly on a 25-meter deep harbor.
This deep-sea port, surrounded by superb natural conditions, could be developed into another demonstration project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), mutually benefiting both Myanmar and China.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Myanmar on Jan. 17-18, the two sides agreed to strengthen their BRI cooperation, and work hard to push forward the construction of the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), according to a joint statement issued by the two countries on Saturday.
Master plan
In 2014, the Myanmar government invited bidders from around the world for its plan to set up the Kyaukpyu SEZ, one of the country's three national SEZs, in an effort to kick-start the local economy and raise living standards.
The master plan includes a deep-sea port and an accompanying industrial park nearby.
In 2015, a consortium of six companies led by the China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC) won the tender for building the Kyaukpyu SEZ. Three years later, after a marathon of negotiations, the CITIC-led consortium struck a framework agreement with Myanmar on the project..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China) via "China.org.cn" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw in Kachin State and Myanmar’s Catholic Church leaders are opposed to the revival of the stalled Myitsone dam project in Kachin state
Description:
"A Myanmar Church official has expressed anxiety over the restarting of the China-backed Myitsone dam project on the Irrawaddy River in the conflict-torn northern state of Kachin.
The concerns grew with the historic state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Myanmar, January 17-18. This is Xi's first visit to China’s southern neighbour and the first visit of any Chinese president in 19 years.
Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw in Kachin State has expressed concerns over the revival of the controversial Myitsone mega-dam project with this visit.
“The Church’s stance is on the dam’s impact on both the environment and on the people,” Bishop Gam told UCA News.
He said Myanmar and China leaders might talk about restarting the project, suspended in 2017. However, China may not further push for the project’s revival as it is likely to face strong opposition from the people, affecting other development projects.
“We are awaiting the answers on the fate of Myitsone with bated breath,” he said.
More than 40 Kachin organizations have called on Xi to permanently cancel the Myitsone Dam project..."
Source/publisher:
"Vatican News"
Date of publication:
2020-01-19
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Myanmar President U Win Myint here on Friday, stressing the importance of the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between the two countries.
Xi said that Myanmar turns to be the destination of his first overseas trip this year when the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, highlighting the great importance of the "Paukphaw" friendship and deepening bilateral ties.
The Chinese president said he hopes that his visit could send three messages as follows:
First, the Chinese government and people firmly support the Myanmar government and people in pursuing development path suited to its own national conditions and continuously promoting the country's development.
Second, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Myanmar has enjoyed sound foundation, and joint efforts to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future will inject new impetus and vitality into the development of bilateral relations.
Third, China stands ready to work together with Myanmar in advancing practical cooperation, speeding up the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Myanmar development strategies, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
A 2017 military crackdown on the Muslim minority, which UN investigators have called genocide, forced some 740,000 people over the border into Bangladesh. Beijing has stood strongly beside Myanmar and the Asian giant is now the country's largest investor even as distrust of its ambitions lingers among the public.
Description:
"China and Myanmar inked dozens of mammoth infrastructure and trade deals after a meeting Saturday between President Xi Jinping and fallen rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi, as Beijing doubles down on its support for a government under fire for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims.
The Chinese leader's two-day state visit to Myanmar's purpose-built capital comes as Western investors cast a wide berth around the country due to the Rohingya crisis.
A 2017 military crackdown on the Muslim minority, which UN investigators have called genocide, forced some 740,000 people over the border into Bangladesh.
Beijing has stood strongly beside Myanmar and the Asian giant is now the country's largest investor even as distrust of its ambitions lingers among the public.
More than 30 agreements were signed Saturday on Xi's final day of his visit -- with Suu Kyi and Xi seated across from each other on long tables alongside related ministers..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations. As friendly neighbors, Myanmar has been generally associated with the silk road, which originated in China, throughout history and the friendship of two countries keeps vibrant thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In ancient times, Myanmar was a transportation hub of both the southwestern Silk Road between China, Myanmar and India and the Maritime Silk Road, bringing great convenience to trade between China, the Indian Ocean and the western world.
The long-term friendly bilateral economic ties have laid a foundation for Myanmar to participate in BRI in the new century.
In 2015, Myanmar joined the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as one of the founding members. The two countries then signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly build the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) in 2018, aiming to further enhance bilateral pragmatic cooperation within the framework of BRI..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Topic:
Belt and Road initiative, BRI, China, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, CMEC, Kachin State, Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, Myitkyina Economic Development Zone, Myitsone Dam, Xi Jinping
Topic:
Belt and Road initiative, BRI, China, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, CMEC, Kachin State, Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, Myitkyina Economic Development Zone, Myitsone Dam, Xi Jinping
Description:
"Nearly 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) have called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to permanently terminate the suspended Myitsone Dam project, saying that the project threatens the prosperity of the Myanmar people and that friendly relations between the two countries will deteriorate if the project goes ahead.
On Wednesday, civil society organizations, mostly based in Kachin State, issued an open letter to Xi, two days before his planned visit to Myanmar.
The visit aims to pave the way for Xi’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Myanmar and includes plans for a dozen agreements, including around the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will grant China access to the Indian Ocean. A final decision on the controversial Myitsone Dam project may also be on the agenda for the visit.
“We will have to lose more and more if the project is revived. Local residents have already suffered enough because of the project. We want to stop the project permanently,” Tu Hkawng, project coordinator for civil society organization Airavati, told The Irrawaddy. “We will never agree to restarting the Myitsone project.”..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2020-01-16
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"A decade ago, Myanmar’s generals, setting out to show they were serious about liberalizing after half a century of brutal military rule, made a bold play: They snubbed China, canceling a joint multibillion-dollar dam project, and embraced the West.
In the period that followed, President Barack Obama visited Myanmar twice. He was photographed kissing the cheek of Aung San Suu Kyi, the former democracy activist who later became Myanmar’s civilian leader. He met with former generals, signaling a readiness to open a new chapter with a nation long encumbered by U.S. sanctions.
Then came the exodus of nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims, driven from their homes by Myanmar’s military in a scorched-earth campaign that drew a Western outcry and charges of genocide. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, led Myanmar’s defense at the International Court of Justice last month; a provisional ruling is expected next week..."
Source/publisher:
"The Washington Post" (USA)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Sign up for Next China, a weekly email on where the nation stands now and where it's going next.
In China’s carefully choreographed diplomatic calendar, the itinerary of the president’s first overseas trip can send signals about his long-term strategic goals.
In 2017, Xi Jinping opened with a speech at the World Economic Forum defending globalization from criticism by U.S. President Donald Trump. A year earlier, he became the first major world leader to visit Iran after international sanctions were lifted. This year, Xi’s first state visit will be to conflict-torn Myanmar.
While the European Union and the U.S. have criticized Myanmar for what the United Nations has called genocidal acts against its minority Rohingya population, China, which often faces scrutiny over its own human rights record, is continuing its role as a vocal supporter.
Upon his arrival to the capital of Naypyidaw on Friday, Xi will meet with de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who last month defended Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in the Hague over accusations the country’s military had committed atrocities with “genocidal intent,” forcing more than 700,000 ethnic Muslims to flee across the Bangladesh border. Suu Kyi rejected the case brought by the Gambia as “incomplete and misleading” and said the exodus of civilians was caused by an ongoing internal armed conflict with insurgents..."
Source/publisher:
"Bloomberg News" (New York)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that China firmly supports Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.
He made the remarks during talks with Myanmar President U Win Myint in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, stressing the importance of the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship and deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
President Xi arrived in Myanmar earlier Friday for a state visit, making it his first overseas trip in 2020 and the first visit to the Southeast Asian nation by a Chinese president after 19 years.
Hailing the strong foundation of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, Xi called for joint efforts to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future and advance cooperation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The two governments will sign dozens of economic agreements. Naypyidaw represents a crucial junction for the Chinese "two oceans" strategy. Many Burmese, including even army generals, have developed a deep fear of China. It is widely believed that China wants a weak and unstable Myanmar in order to maintain control and influence. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives today in Myanmar for a two-day visit with a strong geopolitical significance, in the year in which the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. The purpose of Xi's trip is to strengthen economic ties along the shared border, as well as Chinese investments in other parts of Myanmar under the Belt and Road Initiative (Bri) and infrastructure projects of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (Cmec) .
According to analysts and observers, the two governments will sign dozens of economic agreements, projects to improve roads, promote commercial relations and assist social and economic development. The interests of the Chinese president are concentrated on the implementation of projects such as the seaport of the Special Economic Zone of Kyaukphyu, in Rakhine (western Myanmar); the Economic Cooperation Zone, on the northern and northeastern border of Myanmar; and the New Yangon City project.
Beijing sees Myanmar as a crucial hub for the Chinese "two oceans" strategy - with reference to the Pacific and Indian oceans. It aims to redistribute the balance of power in the region in favor of the communist regime, expanding naval operations from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, where Beijing is to conduct "offshore operations". But China's geopolitical, economic and strategic interests in Myanmar are currently the subject of much debate. Critics say that Myanmar is returning to China's orbit, or even struggling to maintain its neutrality and independence..."
Source/publisher:
"AsiaNews.it" (Italy)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Topic:
bilateral relations, visit, bilateral, border security
Topic:
bilateral relations, visit, bilateral, border security
Description:
"China's president Xi Jingping will today kick off a two-day state visit to Myanmar which is likely to set the course of their future bilateral relations. While the visit is highly significant for Beijing, Myanmar is more hesitant, fearing it is becoming over-dependent on its northern neighbour, according to analysts and diplomats. But the visit certainly is a public endorsement of the special relationship that has formed between the two countries, and may herald a new era of strengthened relationship.
"[This visit] is extremely important, as it is likely to go a long way in defining the course of Myanmar-China bilateral relations into the future, especially under the watch of the NLD [National League for Democracy] administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi," according to Moe Thuzar -- a regional specialist and Myanmar programme coordinator at the Singapore-based think-tank, the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Nevertheless it is much more than a symbolic occasion, according to most analysts, and a plethora of bilateral agreements on investment and trade are in the pipeline. These are the concrete dividends of such high-level visits -- often the result of months if not years of prior bilateral negotiations. "These deals, apart from the symbolic setting of signatures by the principal players, will also define Myanmar's geo-economic future," Ms Thuzar added..."
Source/publisher:
"Bangkok Post" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Sub-title:
When Xi Jinping arrives in the Southeast Asian nation for the first state visit in 19 years, he will come bearing gifts – billions of dollars of investment projects...China has been its closest ally for two decades, and the country presents a particular opportunity for Xi and Beijing’s broader ambitions.
Description:
"China’s president, on a visit to Myanmar, took in the sights with a tour of the Buddhist temples in Bagan and vowed to pour investment into the country even as the United Nations criticised the local government for violation of human rights.
That was 19 years ago and the visitor was Jiang Zemin.
On Friday, when President Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar for the first state visit since 2001, he may well gaze upon the same temples his predecessor saw, he will repeat plans for investment in the neighbouring country, and again Myanmar faces condemnation over human rights abuses. What’s changed, though, is China and its ambitions. In between the two visits, China leapfrogged Thailand to become Myanmar’s biggest trading partner and eventually unseated Japan as the world’s second-largest economy after the US. With that economic clout, Beijing asserted itself in international affairs – China now has more embassies around the world than any other country – only to bang heads with the West, especially the US, as its influence spread. Closer to home China has exercised claims over regions of the South China Sea, causing disputes with Asian neighbours from Vietnam to the Philippines and Indonesia..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Topic:
Myanmar - China, Aung San Suu Kyi, Bangladesh, Business & Economy
Sub-title:
China's President Xi Jinping is expected to tie up Belt and Road Initiative deals during his visit to Myanmar.
Topic:
Myanmar - China, Aung San Suu Kyi, Bangladesh, Business & Economy
Description:
"China's President Xi Jinping will visit Myanmar on Friday to ink massive infrastructure deals and extend influence in a neighbouring country whose ties with the West were frayed by accusations that it conducted genocidal policies against ethnic Muslim-majority Rohingya people.
This is Xi's first visit to the Southeast Asian country as the leader of China - and the first visit of any Chinese president in 19 years. Analysts say Xi will bid to revive stalled multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects central to his flagship Belt and Road Initiative, which is described as a "21st-century Silk Road". More:
Myanmar to release its Rohingya crackdown investigation results
ICJ to rule on emergency measures in Myanmar genocide case
World Bank gives China billions in loans despite US objections
Xi is scheduled to meet state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and army chief Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyitaw, in addition to meeting with the heads of minor political parties.
Historically, the two countries have had a sometimes fraught relationship, with many in Myanmar suspicious of the tremendous sway that China holds over its smaller neighbour..."
Source/publisher:
"Al Jazeera" (Qatar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), About Aung San Suu Kyi
Language:
more
Topic:
Myanmar - China, Asia Pacific, Xi Jinping, Aung San Suu Kyi
Sub-title:
Xi expected to sign $1.3bn deal to build a port in Rakhine State on his first visit to the country as president.
Topic:
Myanmar - China, Asia Pacific, Xi Jinping, Aung San Suu Kyi
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar on Friday on his first trip to the country since 2009 and is expected to step up investment in the Southeast Asian nation including in the conflict-racked state of Rakhine, a key link in China's Belt and Road initiative.
Myanmar's Deputy Minister of Commerce Aung Htoo told reporters before the visit that Xi would sign agreements related to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and $1.3bn port in Rakhine, where a brutal military crackdown in 2017 led hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee over the border to Bangladesh.
More:
Myanmar's women trafficked to China at risk of sexual violence
ICJ to rule on emergency measures in Myanmar genocide case
China invests billions in Myanmar
"Xi has visited almost all ASEAN countries since assuming power in 2013, but Myanmar had been left out until now," Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center, said in an email to Al Jazeera..."
Source/publisher:
"Al Jazeera" (Qatar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Description:
"The World Bank forecast Myanmar's economy growth to reach 6.4 percent in present fiscal year (FY) 2019-2020 which started in October, according to the Myanmar Economic Monitor Dissemination Workshop on Tuesday.
The new World Bank report "The Myanmar Economic Monitor for December 2019" was launched at the workshop which was held in capital city Nay Pyi Taw.
The country's economic growth is estimated to show a gradual increase from 6.2 percent in FY 2017-2018 and from 6.3 percent in FY 2018-2019 which ended in September last year.
The report said that the reforms have lifted Myanmar quickly in the recent World Bank Group's Doing Business Index, underlining that firms in Myanmar need greater access to inputs including finance, land, and skills, better connectivity and an enabling business environment to support a responsible private sector.
The report also highlighted that the presence of armed actors and conflicts add challenges for business in much of Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-14
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Banking
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Chinese President Xi Jinping will begin a two-day trip to Southeast Asian nation on Friday with hopes high he can help finalise details of a US$1.3 billion deal to develop Kyaukpyu port... But China’s growing presence in Indian Ocean is fuelling concerns in New Delhi
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming trip to Myanmar is expected to help Beijing boost its presence in the Indian Ocean, especially if a deal can be finalised on the development of the China-funded Kyaukpyu port.
China’s ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, said on Sunday that Xi was expected to oversee the signing of several deals during a two-day visit that starts on Friday, including possibly putting the final piece of the puzzle in the US$1.3 billion port deal, negotiations for which have been going on for several years.
Once completed, the facility on the Bay of Bengal will provide Beijing with a direct link to oil supplies from the Middle East, as Kyaukpyu is at one end of a massive oil and natural gas pipeline network that runs all the way to Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan province. That direct link will provide an alternative route for China’s energy imports avoiding the Malacca Strait, which links the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea but has become a flashpoint for Sino-Indian maritime rivalry..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Topic:
CHINA, BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE, XI JINPING, MYANMAR, AUNG SAN SUU KYI
Sub-title:
Chinese leader to make historic Jan 17-18 visit in bid to advance contested Belt and Road Initiative
Topic:
CHINA, BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE, XI JINPING, MYANMAR, AUNG SAN SUU KYI
Description:
"When Xi Jinping travels to Myanmar on January 17, it will be the first visit by a sitting Chinese president since Jiang Zemin toured the country in December 2001.
Xi’s visit will show just how much times have changed between now and then. Jiang visited Myanmar when it was still ruled by a military junta and China was the then isolated nation’s closest ally.
Xi, on the other hand, will be meeting democratically elected leaders and China is no longer the country’s only important partner. Countries such as Japan and India are now vying for influence by offering various kinds of assistance — economic, political and in the case of India even military — to challenge China’s previously dominant role.
But in a curious twist of events, Myanmar’s still-powerful and autonomous military is the one wary of China and its intentions. The top brass see it as their duty to protect the country’s sovereignty, while nominal leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a politician who wants here government to be re-elected this year, has turned to Beijing for economic and other assistance after her previous allies and admirers in the West distanced themselves from her over the Rohingya refugee crisis..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-16
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, About Aung San Suu Kyi, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Xi’s first as president will aim to cement Beijing’s position as Myanmar’s largest investor and strategic partner
Description:
"China’s President Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar this week to nail down multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals in a country abandoned by many in the West appalled at the “genocide” of Rohingya Muslims on leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s watch.
Xi’s two-day visit, his first as president, will seek to cement Beijing’s position as Myanmar’s largest investor and strategic partner.
The much-trumpeted China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) aims to connect the Middle Kingdom to the Indian Ocean, a key route in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative that envisions Chinese infrastructure and influence spanning the globe. In addition to offering tens of billions of dollars in investment, China shields its neighbor at the United Nations, where pressure is mounting for accountability over the Rohingya crisis.
Yet the relationship between the countries is tangled.
Ethnic conflicts sizzling in border zones and the impact of dams, pipelines and transport links risk awakening hostility over Chinese intentions..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-16
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"China imported 10.8 million tonnes of crude oil via the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline in 2019, up 6.3 percent year on year, according to the Kunming Customs in southwest China's Yunnan Province.
The Kunming Customs said Tuesday that the import value amounted to 37.7 billion yuan (about 5.5 billion U.S. dollars), up 3.9 percent.
Meanwhile, the imports of natural gas from Myanmar amounted to 3.4 million tonnes, up 54 percent from 2018, with a total value of 12.1 billion yuan, an annual increase of 74.1 percent.
Crude oil started entering China via the 1,420-km China-Myanmar crude oil pipeline from June 2017, and the China-Myanmar natural gas pipeline was put into operation in July 2013.
According to the Dehong oil and gas transmission branch of the China National Petroleum Corporation, China has imported about 26.9 million tonnes of crude oil and 24.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas through the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China) via "China.org.cn" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"China's President Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar this week to nail down multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals in a country abandoned by many in the West appalled at the "genocide" of Rohingya Muslims on leader Aung San Suu Kyi's watch.
Xi's two-day visit, his first as president, will seek to cement Beijing's position as Myanmar's largest investor and strategic partner.
The much-trumpeted China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) aims to connect the Middle Kingdom to the Indian Ocean, a key route in Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative that envisions Chinese infrastructure and influence spanning the globe.
In addition to offering tens of billions of dollars in investment, China shields its neighbour at the United Nations, where pressure is mounting for accountability over the Rohingya crisis.
Yet the relationship between the countries is tangled.
Ethnic conflicts sizzling in border zones and the impact of dams, pipelines and transport links risk awakening hostility over Chinese intentions..."
Source/publisher:
"Radio France Internationale (RFI)" ( Paris)
Date of publication:
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
more
Description:
"A new direct air route is set to be launched later Tuesday between Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, and Myanmar's Rangoon.
The flight is the second direct route linking Hainan with Myanmar.
The air route is operated by China's Jiuyuan Airlines, with three round trips scheduled every week.
The outbound flight AQ1133 will leave Haikou Meilan International Airport at 11:00 p.m. Beijing Time on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and is scheduled to land in Rangoon at 00:35 a.m. local time the following day. The inbound flight AQ1134 will leave Rangoon at 01:35 a.m. local time and land in Haikou at 06:00 a.m. Beijing time every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Qiu Jianming, the marketing director of Jiuyuan Airlines, said the company started to operate flights to Myanmar in October, 2018 and has opened three direct air routes connecting Guangzhou, Guiyang and Changsha with Myanmar.
"Myanmar is an important country participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. We value the market of Myanmar," said Qiu..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China) via "China.org.cn" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-15
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
China has vowed to strengthen strategic links and advance economic projects such as the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Myanmar, said Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai, prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to the country on January 17.
Description:
"“Chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit to Myanmar will greatly advance bilateral relations,” Mr Chen said, according to a report by Chinese newspaper Golden Phoenix, seen by The Myanmar Times.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar, Xi’s visit marks the first trip to the country as president and 19 years after former president Jiang Zeming’s visit.
“Taking President Xi's visit as an opportunity, the two will strengthen strategic links, sign a series of deals and advance progress in economic projects,” said Mr Chen. The two countries will ink several deals, including the US$1.3 billion Kyaukphyu port project, while Xi is expected to push ahead the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) scheme as well as other projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Initiated in 2017 under the framework of Xi’s multi-billion development strategy BRI, the corridor scheme features a Y-shaped route from China’s Yunnan Province to Myanmar’s Rakhine State and Yangon with multiple projects initiated, including the Kyaukphyu SEZ and port project, a railway project that falls on this route, among others.
The fact that the Myanmar government set up the Steering Committee for the Implementation of the Community and the Silk Road Project chaired by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a demonstration of Myanmar’s commitment to the BRI, as seen by China..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-14
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar is a fulcrum of the Belt and Road Initiative and an important corridor between China and Southeast and South Asia. As a traditional friendly neighbor, Myanmar has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. Apart from participating in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Myanmar was among the first 21 countries to join the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Also, China is Myanmar's biggest source of foreign investment.
Since 2013, China and Myanmar together have made remarkable achievements in taking forward the Belt and Road Initiative.
First, the two countries have not only maintained frequent high-level mutual visits but also improved their cooperation mechanism, and thus strengthened mutual political trust. In April 2015, President Xi Jinping met with U Thein Sein, then president of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the Asian-African Summit that was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia. In October of the same year, Xi met with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the 8th BRICS Summit in India. He also met with Suu Kyi three times at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing between May 2017 and April 2019..."
Source/publisher:
"China Daily" (Beijing)
Date of publication:
2020-01-14
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"In 1950, Myanmar established diplomatic ties with China. But the bilateral economic relations of the friendly neighbors date back to the pre-Christian era and have flourished recently.
As an old Chinese saying goes, "A good neighbor is better than a far-dwelling relative."
Booming bilateral trade
China is the largest trading partner as well as one of the most important sources of investment for Myanmar. Official data shows that as of July in 2019, China's cumulative investment in Myanmar accounted for over 25 percent of Myanmar's total foreign investment.
Centuries ago, there was a land route between China, Myanmar and India, the southwestern Silk Road. And for that long, China mainly exported silk, porcelain, tea and metals to Myanmar while importing shells as currency, spices, wood and jade from its neighbor..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2020-01-14
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Border Trade with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Two-day trip could be ‘milestone’ for relations if progress on Rohingya refugee crisis and stalled US$3.6 billion Myitsone dam project can be made...Xi’s visit could involve ‘dozens’ of cultural, political and economic agreements
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping will try to kick-start stalled Belt and Road Initiative projects and attempt to mediate in the Rohingya crisis during a two-day visit to Myanmar this week to mark the 70th anniversary of relations between the nations, analysts said.
Ties between Myanmar and China – its biggest trading partner – have strengthened rapidly in recent years, although violent conflicts and one of the world’s largest refugee emergencies pose major challenges to Beijing’s goals in the Southeast Asian country. Xi’s visit is expected to begin on Friday, the first by a Chinese leader since Jiang Zemin 19 years ago, and may be a “milestone” for bilateral ties, according to Beijing’s senior envoy in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital.
Xi would meet the country’s senior military and political leaders, and the two sides were expected to sign “dozens” of agreements in culture, politics and the economy, state newspaper Global Times quoted Chen Hai, China’s ambassador, as saying on Sunday..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Bilateral agreements set this week could have implications for generations to come
Description:
"
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https://www.ft.com/content/df96fcf4-35e4-11ea-ac3c-f68c10993b04
President Xi Jinping, who travels to Myanmar this week, will be the first Chinese leader to visit in nearly 20 years. What happens next in bilateral relations could determine Myanmar’s future and China’s place in the region for generations.
Beijing hopes for the speedy realisation of a China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a massive infrastructure scheme valued in tens of billions of dollars. Its spine will be a railway line linking China’s Yunnan province with both the city of Yangon and a new deep-sea port at Kyaukpyu on the Bay of Bengal. The corridor is part of the Belt and Road Initiative and is meant to include a 6,000-megawatt dam on the Irrawaddy river, as well as a new city for Chinese manufacturing close to Yangon. Dozens of projects will bind Myanmar closely to the markets of south-west China. More importantly for Beijing, they will form an artery between China’s hinterland and the Indian Ocean.
But there’s a catch: the corridor would traverse one of the world’s most complex and violent political landscapes. China and Myanmar share a 1,300-mile border and uplands between the border and the Irrawaddy Valley, an area about the size of Britain, are home to more than a dozen ethnic-based insurgent armies and hundreds of militia forces..."
Source/publisher:
"Financial Times" ( London)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory
Language:
more
Topic:
agreements, Belt and Road initiative, BRI, China, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, CMEC, infrastructure projects, Investment, President Xi Jinping, visit
Topic:
agreements, Belt and Road initiative, BRI, China, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, CMEC, infrastructure projects, Investment, President Xi Jinping, visit
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping will land in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, on Friday looking to secure more agreements on key strategic projects under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a part of China’s ambitious infrastructure plan for the region.
Xi will be the first Chinese president to visit China’s southern neighbor in nearly two decades.
During his trip on Jan. 17-18, the two countries are expected to sign dozens of agreements, paving the way for the implementation of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a key strategic component of the CMEC, and border economic cooperation zones, road upgrade projects, promotion of trade relations, and social and economic development assistance.
The 1,700-kilometer-long CMEC will start in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province, go through Myanmar’s major economic cities—Mandalay in central Myanmar and the commercial capital of Yangon—and reach the coast at the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Rakhine State.
Here, The Irrawaddy looks at six projects slated for implementation this year and which require careful monitoring due to ethnic conflicts, local disagreements, and social and environmental impacts—including the controversial Myitsone Dam project, on which a final decision could be made during Xi’s trip..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma-US relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
According to Myanmar government sources, Xi is expected to visit Naypyitaw, January 17-18. During his trip, the two sides are expected to sign several agreements covering the construction of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and border economic cooperation zones, , road upgrade projects, promotion of trade relations among others.
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to visit Myanmar, a key neighbour of India this week, as Beijing seeks to ramp up support for BRI that will open connectivity in Bay of Bengal. The BRI projects in Myanmar has not received enough local support contrary to Chinese expectations.
This will first visit by a Chinese President to Myanmar in nearly two decades. India will keep a close watch on the visit.
According to Myanmar government sources, Xi is expected to visit Naypyitaw, January 17-18. During his trip, the two sides are expected to sign several agreements covering the construction of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and border economic cooperation zones, road upgrade projects, promotion of trade relations, and social and economic development assistance, according to Myanmar government sources.
Minister for Commerce U Than Myint told the reporters that Xi will visit Myanmar soon, saying that during his trip an agreement would be signed between the two countries in which China would ease restrictions on imports of products from Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Politics and Government - global and regional - general studies, strategies, theory, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese investments historically dominated Myanmar’s foreign direct investment landscape. Some projects are government-to-government initiatives while others were won through tenders.
Observers say Myanmar should diversify its partners in strategic sectors such as electricity for more sustainable development. Apart from financial matters, Myanmar’s government should take into account security issues,” said Daw Khin Khin Kyaw of the Institute for Strategy and Policy. She said that tenders should be conducted more transparently and not pushed through in a hurry.
Under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, the two countries have looked into ways to work together through the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor scheme and moving ahead with the proposed Kyaukphyu port, the Yangon “New City” development and the Muse-Mandalay railway project.
Meanwhile, China Harbour Engineering Co, supported by China Communication and Construction Co as adviser, recently won a US$100 million tender to construct the Gote Hteik Bridge under a build, own and operate agreement..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-13
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"Upon his visit to Laos in November 2017, Xi Jinping wrote in an open letter, published in English and Lao in Laotian mainstream media, that “there is a high degree of complementarity between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the strategy of Laos to transform itself from a landlocked to a land-linked country.”
He further described the China-Laos Railway, the flagship of the BRI in Laos, as "(t)he transportation artillery that will drive the development of Laos (and that) is a dream coming true.”
These lines point to two central features of China’s BRI. One is its embracing of the “Chinese Dream”, already extended as China’s “Asia-Pacific Dream”; the second is, more importantly, its discursive power of scripting China’s geopolitical and economic interests in the rhetoric of its partners’ national development strategies.
As the land-linked strategy has been already advertised by the Laotian government for more than two decades, the BRI in Laos is, rather than breaking new ground, an intensified and accelerated continuation of already existing development strategies and policies..."
Source/publisher:
"The Business Times" (Singapore)
Date of publication:
2020-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-13
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's Foreign relations, general
Language:
more
Topic:
Myitsone dam, Belt and Road Initiative, Aung San Suu Kyi, Xi Jinping, Kachin, Myanmar, China
Topic:
Myitsone dam, Belt and Road Initiative, Aung San Suu Kyi, Xi Jinping, Kachin, Myanmar, China
Description:
"Myanmar leader, Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare trip to a region bordering China days before President Xi Jinping is expected to push for controversial port and dam projects during a visit to the country.
Wearing traditional ethnic attire, Suu Kyi danced with a street procession on Friday in northern Kachin state's capital Myitkyina, a day after supporters cheered her arrival at the airport. She urged a crowd of thousands to "focus on the present" and called for peace in the remote region, where insurgents have clashed with the army over autonomy and resources.
She did not mention the China-backed Myitsone dam, a US$3.6 billion project halted in 2011 in the face of widespread opposition.
A proposal to reinstate the dam drew thousands of protesters onto the streets last year.
Myanmar is a vital piece of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xi's US$1 trillion vision for maritime, rail and road projects across Asia, Africa and Europe.
During his two-day visit to the country starting 17 January, Xi and top Myanmar political and military leaders are expected to discuss the initiative, according to a Friday briefing by China's Vice Foreign Minister, Luo Zhaohui..."
Source/publisher:
"The ASEAN Post" (Malaysia)
Date of publication:
2020-01-11
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, About Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Dams and other projects on the Irrawaddy and its tributories
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Myanmar next week to boost ties and push investment projects, in a show of support for Aung San Suu Kyi’s government as it faces global condemnation over its treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Xi will begin the two-day trip on January 17, according to Luo Zhaohui, China’s vice-foreign minister. It will be the first state visit to Myanmar by a Chinese president since Jiang Zemin’s trip in 2001.
Luo said in a briefing on Friday that the countries would seek close economic and trade cooperation through Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative – Xi’s sprawling infrastructure and investment scheme spanning Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond. Chinese observers said Xi’s trip showed the importance of relations with Myanmar, which is strategically located and stands on the frontline of China’s geopolitical rivalry with the United States and other powers in the Asia-Pacific, such as India and Japan.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of China’s official ties with three Asian nations – Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia. Xu Liping, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Xi had chosen to go to Myanmar for his first overseas trip of the year, rather than the other two countries, both of which were at odds with Beijing over the South China Sea..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-10
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, Border Trade with China, China-Burma relations, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Description:
"Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Myanmar late next week to discuss bilateral relations and to push for the speedier buildout of Chinese development projects under his massive Belt and Road Initiative, Myanmar analysts said Wednesday.
Neither the Myanmar nor Chinese government has released details of his Jan. 17-18 trip — Xi’s first visit to the Southeast Asian country since 2009 — on the occasion of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.
Myanmar analysts say Xi’s trip could bode well for the country’s faltering peace process and economic growth.
Beijing has encouraged rebel ethnic armies fighting Myanmar troops in border areas to meet with peace negotiators and agree to bilateral cease-fires with the government military.
China’s primary motive for getting involved in the peace process is driven by its interest in securing border areas so that infrastructure investments in Myanmar under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are not jeopardized, analysts believe..."
Source/publisher:
"Radio Free Asia (RFA)" (USA)
Date of publication:
2020-01-08
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, China-Burma relations, Dams and other projects on the Irrawaddy and its tributories
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Government will open 33 new blocks for foreign bidding but investors are wary of regulatory risks
Description:
"Myanmar’s government is expected to announce major new bidding for natural gas exploration, including 15 offshore and 18 onshore blocks, in a bid to give the sluggish but potentially lucrative industry a much-needed capital infusion.
But while a new exploration agreement signed last month between Myanmar’s MPRL E&P Company, France’s Total and Australia’s Woodside Energy have given the sector a huge boost, investors are still wary about the industry’s policy direction.
Block A6, an Ayeyarwady Region joint venture in which Total holds 40%, Woodside 40% and MPRL E&P Co 20%, will be Myanmar’s first ultra-deepwater natural gas field project. It is also the only new gas development to be started under de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s nearly four-year-old administration.The field is estimated to contain 2-3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, with a projected daily output of 400 million standard cubic feet. That represents more than a fifth of Myanmar’s existing daily output..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-08
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"During one month of this fiscal year, the total trade value between Myanmar and China exceeded one billion US dollars with China’s imports reaching nearly 550 million US dollars, according to the Commerce Ministry.
In October of 2019-2020 FY, the total trade value between Myanmar and China amounted to 1006.768 million US dollars—456.869 million US dollars in export and 549.899 million US dollars in import.
Myanmar and China can promote trade and promotion through the establishment of business centers on both sides.
Union Minister for Commerce Dr. Than Myint said, “Myanmar and China will sign the MoU on the establishment of China-Myanmar border economic cooperation zones. The EOI will be invited for the projects for local entrepreneurs after the MoU signing. We basically plan to build it at Muse-Namkham border in Myanmar side. China wants to implement it at Muse border. We also plan to Kanpiketi in Kachin State and Hteinchone in China. Another proposed places are Laukkai, Linchan and Chinshwehaw. We have chosen three places for the project.”
Myanmar has already sent its view on the MoU signing for the economic zone project to China. The MoU can be signed after Myanmar receives the reply letter from China..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-08
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Andaman Sea, Belt and Road initiative, Bhamo, BRI, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, China-Myanmar Irrawaddy Economic Belt, Chinese President Xi Jinping, CMEC, Indian Ocean, Irrawaddy Delta, Kachin State, Kunming, Lio Je customs gate, Longchuan, Mandalay, Muse, Ruili, the Irrawaddy River, Yangon, Yunnan, Zhangfeng
Description:
"Chinese think tanks based in Yunnan have been traveling back and forth between Yangon and the Chinese province’s capital, Kunming, since early 2018. But at times their itinerary has taken them beyondMyanmar’s economic hub.
They have traveled hundreds of miles conducting field investigations up and down the Irrawaddy River, from the north to the south of Myanmar, with high hopes of turning Myanmar’s lifeline into a vital trade and logistics link with China.
The strategic land and water transport route is expected to start in Kunming and run through Longchuan in Yunnan province to Bhamo in Kachin State, then to Yangon and the Indian Ocean. Developing the 2,161-km route from Kunming to Yangon could cost around 3.3 billion Chinese renminbi (700 billion kyats).
The Irrawaddy is the country’s most important waterway, flowing into the Andaman Sea through the Irrawaddy Delta..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2019-12-30
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Dams and other projects on the Irrawaddy and its tributories, Dams and other projects on other rivers and their tributories, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Ironically, the solutions proposed by the BRI contradict China’s own development model.
Description:
"China’s top leaders have recently begun to tout China’s own development success as an example for others to replicate. Former Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs He Yafei, for example, has claimed that “the success of the ‘Chinese model’ … offers other developing countries an option different from the ‘American model’ for economic development.” In his address to the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress in October 2017, President Xi Jinping argued that China’s successful development experience was “blazing a new trail for other developing countries to achieve modernization.”
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is commonly viewed as the primary vehicle for promoting a China model of development. Encompassing 123 countries, the BRI commits China to provide $1 trillion in financing over the next decade for hundreds of infrastructure projects – roads, railways, ports, pipelines, electrical grids, and energy plants – designed to connect both land and maritime networks stretching from Southeast Asia to Europe..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2019-12-17
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Part two of this series looks at American pressure on Chinese outward foreign direct investment.
Description:
"The United States has long been concerned about Chinese outward foreign direct investment (COFDI). Even so, U.S. angst has reached new heights during President Donald Trump’s tenure in office. Under his administration, the United States has launched a three-pronged war against COFDI. The first prong entails a harsher environment for COFDI in the United States. The second encompasses maneuvers against COFDI overseas. And the third involves steps to disrupt the progress of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The first prong has been primarily evidenced by the expansion of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)’s role in reviewing FDI. It has been reflected, too, by the 2018 passage of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRMMA). Notably, FIRMMA changed the ownership standard triggering CFIUS reviews from 10 percent of voting shares to one focused more on decision-making abilities/control and also expanded CFIUS’s ambit to cover FDI in critical infrastructure and real estate near sensitive locations like military bases. Recently, Congress passed the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which hits COFDI in the United States directly by forbidding the use of federal funds to purchase rail cars and buses from Chinese-controlled firms. The White House has not publicly pilloried COFDI in the United States, but prominent members of the U.S. Congress continue to warn vociferously about its risks..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2019-01-03
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The following is an abridged version of Myanmar economist U Myint’s assessment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and how it may affect Myanmar.
Description:
"In recent years, Myanmar’s decision-makers have interacted with Chinese partners on infrastructure and investment projects in a seemingly dichotomous manner. But in a sense their decisions reflect a practical logic that takes into account the concerns of both the communities affected by those projects and the population at large. The abrupt suspension in 2011 of the billion-dollar hydropower dam project at Myitsone in Kachin State and the more recent agreements entered into by the current government to bring Myanmar closer into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) orbit present contrasting examples of Myanmar’s approach to Chinese projects in the country. Myanmar hit the “pause” button in its infrastructure deals with China on 30 September 2011, when the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) government led by President Thein Sein suspended the Myitsone dam project for the duration of his administration. That administration ended in March 2016, and the question of whether the project should be resumed or not, and of whether something else could be done with it, has become a heated and emotional issue.
In today’s Myanmar, the democratically-elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government seems to have moved to the “fast-forward” option in its economic interactions with China. A memorandum of understanding for the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) was signed in September 20181. A related agreement to develop a deep-sea port at Kyaukphyu in southern Rakhine State, together with a special economic zone (SEZ), was signed in November 2018. The 1,700-kilometer corridor would connect Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan Province, to Myanmar's major economic centres – Mandalay and then Yangon — and to the Kyaukphyu SEZ. It would link the least and most developed areas of the country..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-12-18
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Sub-title:
This will be Xi Jinping’s first visit to Myanmar after more than a decade and is set for January 17 next
Description:
"The Myanmar government is setting the stage for the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the country.
Xi Jinping is scheduled to discuss China-Myanmar relations and the progress of Chinese development projects, according to government and media reports.
This will be Xi Jinping’s first visit to Myanmar after more than a decade.
He last visited Myanmar in 2009.
The visit is said to be set for January 17.
Progress has been made with major projects that represent important development programmes for China.
Bilateral discussions have focused on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), including the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), viewed as Beijing’s strategic window to the India Ocean.
But there are indications that Beijing will be pushing to speed up the projects.
In addition, there are other Chinese investment projects that are likely to come up for discussion, including the controversial Myitsone Dam project that was put on hold by the previous Myanmar government under President Thein Sein..."
Source/publisher:
"Northeast Now" (India)
Date of publication:
2020-01-06
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Might Myanmar-Taiwan relations get trickier due to the current presidential race in Taiwan and the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen’s relationship with Beijing regarding the “One China Policy”?
Both Taiwan and Myanmar have elections in 2020 and for both countries, the outcome is important for different reasons and yet there is an underlying theme of democracies in development.
What could impinge on their bilateral relations in their respective relations with China?The Myanmar government and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi are leaning towards China in part due to the international fallout from the “bad news” over the Rakhine crisis and the treatment of the Muslim Rohingya which has seen the Western embrace of Myanmar cool.
Beijing has been receptive in part because of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative that sees Myanmar a crucial player in terms of communications, trade, and development, under the rubric of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Myanmar’s friendship with China directly affects how Nay Pyi Taw deals with its relations with Taiwan, a territory that Beijing views as its own but one that is currently governed by an administration that seeks to distance itself from the Mainland.
Looking back at Taiwan, the presidential campaign is fiercely competitive. Incumbent Tsai, who is from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has led her main opponent Han Kuo-yu, the presidential candidate of Kuomingtang (KMT), by more than 30 points according to the latest poll by Apple Daily..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-01
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
But manufacturing activity across Asia showed signs of recovery as recent survey data indicated growth in late 2019.
Description:
"China's factory activity expanded at a slower clip in December, pulling back from a three-year high the previous month as new orders softened, a private survey showed on Thursday.
But business confidence shot up amid thawing trade tensions with the United States, offering some support for the cooling economy. Beijing and Washington agreed last month on an initial deal that will de-escalate their prolonged trade war.
More:
Date set for US-China trade deal sends world markets to new high
Singapore slump: Economic growth falls in 2019 on trade woes
Hong Kong economy to shrink in fourth quarter, says finance chief
The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for December eased to 51.5 from 51.8 the previous month missing analysts' expectations that the reading would hold steady. But it remained above the 50-mark that separates expansion from contraction for the fifth straight month..."
Source/publisher:
"Al Jazeera" (Qatar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-02
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with the USA, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma/Myanmar's Foreign relations, general
Language:
more
Sub-title:
China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co (CREEC) recently launched a survey for the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway line, part of the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, EThas learnt from people familiar with the developments.
Description:
"A proposed railway line from Kunming in China to two ports in Myanmar — close to the India-funded Sittwe port — is being closely watched by India amid the Centre’s plans to connect corridors in the Bay of Bengal region as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy.
China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co (CREEC) recently launched a survey for the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway line, part of the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, EThas learnt from people familiar with the developments.
In October, Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project, expected to be one of the largest road-and-railway projects in the Southeast Asian country that shares both a land and maritime boundary with India.
The project involves building a high-speed railway line from Kunming to Muse on the Myanmar-China border and from there on to Mandalay, terminating in Kyaukphyu port in Rakhine province. A railway line from the same corridor will branch out to Yangon port, one of the people told ET. China is said to view the project to connect the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and the deep water port in Myanmar as something that would benefit both countries under the larger CMEC umbrella. Local politicians say the project could turn out to be a second ‘Hambantota’ and China could take over the ports in future if Myanmar does not earn sufficient revenue from it..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economic Times" (India)
Date of publication:
2019-12-26
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with India
Language:
more
Description:
"When Chinese President Xi Jinping first unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, it was heralded as one of the largest infrastructure development schemes in history.
But the globe-spanning strategy, involving up to US$8.5 trillion in investments spread across more than 80 economies, also poses a number of potential environmental impacts and could threaten biodiversity, which is of particular concern for China’s neighbours in Southeast Asia.
The region is a global biodiversity hotspot and home to numerous threatened species not found anywhere else in the world including charismatic megafauna such as tigers and Asian elephants. But much of China’s belt and road investment in Southeast Asia have come in the form of fossil fuel projects or natural resource extraction – both of which are likely to cause habitat loss, threaten wildlife and increase pollution..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2020-01-05
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The Heartland Foundation was formed in Lashio, northern Shan State, in 2012 and has become a leading environmental conservation organization. Recently, it formed a watchdog team to monitor China-backed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, together with nearly 20 local civil society organizations. In particular, their efforts will focus on transparency issues, and the environmental and social impacts of the projects.
The team is preparing to raise awareness among locals of China-backed projects that are soon to be implemented across northern Shan State. The Irrawaddy spoke with U Aung Myo Htun, project officer of the Heartland Foundation in Lashio, about locals’ major concerns regarding the China-backed Muse-Mandalay railway project and its potential environmental and social impacts, and growing Chinese influence in northern Shan State. Nan Lwin: What do you think about the public consultations related to the Muse-Mandalay Railway?
U Aung Myo Htun: We have already collected a lot of data regarding the railway. Recently, the EIA [environmental impact assessment] company did so-called public consultations in some major cities. As far as we have observed, their techniques are not systematic. They have neglected the most important tasks of a standard EIA.
Moreover, those who were consulted do not broadly represent the affected local communities. They only invited a few elderly people and local government officials [from the General Administration Department] from each affected village tract..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand) via "Global Voices" (Amsterdam)
Date of publication:
2019-12-26
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Nearly 200 villagers in the copper mining area of northwestern Myanmar’s Sagaing region staged a protest on Monday against a Chinese-backed company that they claim has not paid them reasonable compensation after seizing their farmland for a mining project, locals said.
Residents of Kankone village in Salingyi township marched from their community to the entrance of a compound owned by Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Ltd. and demanded payment for more than 2,000 acres of land and the right to use water from the Chindwin River, they said.
The residents say the company has confiscated farmland near two mountains for its Sabetaung and Kyisintaung (S&K) mining operations and has restricted public access to the Chindwin River since the military-backed government under former president Thein Sein (2011-2015).
“We have been promised that we would receive compensation for the farmland since 2015,” said protest organizer Tint Aung Soe.
“The company also issued an official notice,” he said. “They have agreed to pay compensation, and the government said it is ready to help. If they don’t give us the compensation as they have stated, we will keep holding protests across the region.”
Though the company has agreed to pay local residents, it is not willing to compensate them at the rate they demand, which has delayed the resolution of the issue, he said..."
Source/publisher:
RFA (USA)
Date of publication:
2019-12-30
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
International resources on land rights and tenure, Copper mining, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Sub-title:
With Xi Jinping’s visit, China is on the verge of realizing a 10-year plan: gaining a back door to the Indian Ocean.
Description:
"A decade after Xi Jinping’s first visit to Myanmar in 2009, Naypyidaw is planning a banquet for another Xi visit, expected to be on January 17, 2020. As part of the preparation, shuttle diplomacy is already underway, with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meeting with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on December 9, 2019. The agenda is loud and clear: to speed up the construction of the projects within the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and realization of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In particular, speeding up the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Beijing’s strategic window to the India Ocean, is on the short list.
Originating as one of 16 MoUs signed during then-Vice President Xi’s 2009 visit, the Kyaukphyu SEZ is the capstone of all China’s investments in Myanmar and was Beijing’s strategic offset in the Indian Ocean prior to the launch of the BRI. However, Chinese projects in Myanmar stalled after the suspension of controversial Myitsone Dam, which created uneasy relations with Beijing for the first time in 20 years and caused BRI capital injections to fall short of the hype. Kyaukphyu was not an exception. The project was significantly trimmed down with the fear of a debt trap..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2020-01-04
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The economic ventures of the Kayin State Border Guard Force have gained notoriety, but the group insists its businesses benefit the Karen people.
Description:
"COLONEL Saw Min Min Oo is the managing director of Chit Linn Myaing Co Ltd, a company owned by the Kayin Border Guard Force that oversees a growing stable of lucrative businesses. The ethnic Karen armed group’s readiness to partner with shadowy Chinese investors, and to undertake projects with seemingly little regard for Myanmar law, is deeply controversial. Its most audacious venture so far is the vast “new city” project next to the Kayin BGF’s headquarters of Shwe Kokko Myaing in Kayin State’s Myawaddy Township, popularly dubbed as a “Chinatown” because of the largely Chinese financing and workforce.
However, Min Min Oo insisted that the profits from these ventures don’t only accrue to the armed group, which is aligned to the Tatmadaw, but are shared with “the residents of our Karen land”.
Min Min Oo was a 55-year-old battalion commander in the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army nine years ago when it became a Border Guard Force under Tatmadaw command and he was appointed to run Chit Linn Myaing. The company’s board of directors is made up of officers from the BGF, he said.
When Frontier met Min Min Oo briefly in Yangon in October, he was dressed casually in a Karen blue-and-red longyi. He spoke limited Burmese, and a later phone interview with him was done mostly in the S’gaw Karen language.
The Kayin BGF, whose supreme commander is Colonel Saw Chit Thu, has about 6,000 troops and was formed in August 2010 with 12 battalions from the DKBA and one battalion from the Haungtharaw-based Karen Peace Front. It is one of several BGFs in borderland areas of Myanmar, which were formed at that time out of ethnic armed factions that had come to ally themselves with the Tatmadaw..."
Source/publisher:
"Frontier Myanmar" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-12-16
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Economy of Karen (Kayin) State, Business and the Military, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The year 2019 has been a fruitful year for China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in their concerted efforts to consolidate ties and forge a closer community with a shared future.
One year into the implementation of the landmark China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030, the two sides have built stronger economic and trade links, further synergized their development plans, and made major progress in managing differences. All these were achieved while the world is afflicted with rising protectionism and unilateralism that undermine globalization and development.
In fact, the China-ASEAN partnership has become one of the most dynamic partnerships that the bloc has with a dialogue partner, said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose country is the rotating chair of ASEAN for 2019..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-15
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
ASEAN-Burma relations, China-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with ASEAN, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Description:
" From traditional marionettes and wood carvings to handmade carpets depicting Bagan's renowned pagodas and stupas, Myanmar exhibitor Thet Thet Naing was more than proud to showcase her country's best handicrafts at a border trade fair in the southwestern Chinese city of Ruili.
Thet Thet Naing, a trade promotion officer from the Yadanarbon Trade Center in Mandalay, said she was attending the ongoing 18th China-Myanmar Border Economic and Trade Fair for the second time, and has brought more types of traditional handicrafts to impress Chinese visitors.
"We've received many orders for our customized carpets from Chinese hotels thanks to the fair in Ruili," she said. "I hope this year's fair will let more Chinese visitors and exhibitors know about Myanmar's cultural products."
Thet Thet Naing is among a large number of domestic and overseas exhibitors who have flocked to the fair to display more than 2,000 kinds of items at over 500 booths, representing a record high in the event's history. This year's fair runs from Dec. 10 to 16.
So far, a total of 24 projects with investment totaling nearly 20 billion yuan (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) have been signed at the fair. The projects cover tourism, agriculture, logistics, wood processing and other areas..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-14
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"Peng Nian is an associate fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and a non-resident fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
On December 7, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar and lent strong support to Myanmar's State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who will head to the international court of justice (ICJ) in The Hague to defend Myanmar against accusations of genocide. Wang is the first foreign diplomat who came to Myanmar to show support to the democratic government and the Burmese military which have been criticized fiercely by the West since Aung San Suu Kyi's announcement of her appearance in the ICJ at the end of last month.
China has continued to provide necessary assistance to Myanmar to solve the Rohingya crisis in the past two years, mainly including the "three steps" proposal of the resolution of Rohingya crisis, and the diplomatic mediation on the agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh on repatriating of Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-10
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, “One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China
Language:
more
Description:
"The 18th China-Myanmar Border Economic and Trade Fair opened in the border city of Ruili in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Tuesday.
More than 500 booths will display items including electronics, agricultural products, food, garments, household appliances and agricultural machinery during the seven-day event.
Besides China and Myanmar, the fair has attracted exhibitors from nine other countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Russia.
Sideline activities including conferences and project signings will also be held to promote bilateral cooperation between China and Myanmar.
Yang Zhenwang, one of the exhibitors and the general manager of a Chinese agricultural machinery company, said the fair provided a platform to showcase their products and find overseas buyers..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-10
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"China and Myanmar pledged on Saturday to strengthen communication and high-level exchanges, according to a meeting held between Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang said in light of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year, China and Myanmar should hold a series of celebrations, plan and prepare for high-level exchanges, comprehensively push forward cooperation in areas including economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Wang said China and Myanmar should also carry forward the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and jointly build a community of shared future.
Wang said China is willing to promote China-Myanmar Economic Corridor from concept and plan into substantial implementation and build it into a flagship program of joint construction of the Belt and Road between the two countries.
Wang said infrastructure connectivity is framework of China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the two sides should cooperate on pressing forward projects including Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and border economic cooperation zones.
Wang stressed that China always upholds democratization of international relations, advocates equality among countries, opposes interference in internal affairs of other countries, and disapproves of complicating bilateral issues by involving more parties..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-08
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-10
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Border Trade with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"In a big boost to bilateral defence cooperation, Myanmar is set to soon commission its first-ever submarine after it is formally handed over by India.The impending transfer of the Russian-origin INS Sindhuvir is part of India’s continuing policy to counter China’s strategic inroads into Myanmar. The 3,000-tonne INS Sindhuvir may be 31 years old but it has undergone regular refits in India and Russiak being undertaken on the diesel-electric boat at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam..."
Source/publisher:
"The Times of India" (Oslo)
Date of publication:
2019-12-09
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with India, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma-India relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing here on Sunday, with both sides agreeing to strengthen economic cooperation and speed up peace process in northern Myanmar.
Lauding the Myanmar army as an important force in preserving the country's peace and stability as well as the friendship between China and Myanmar, Wang said the exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries represent an important part of "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.
China is willing to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to jointly push forward the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, build a community of shared future with the Myanmar government and army, so as to push bilateral relations into a new era, he noted.
Wang said the peace and reconciliation process in northern Myanmar is significant to the country's social and economic development, hoping that Myanmar continues to stick to political dialogue and firmly carry on peace talks.
China will as always maintain close contact with Myanmar and play a constructive role in promoting the peace talks, Wang said. He called on all relevant parties to continue to show restraint, maintain the ceasefire and sign a ceasefire agreement at an early date.
The two sides should also strengthen cooperation in the control and management of border areas to ensure peace and stability at China-Myanmar border areas, he added..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-08
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations, Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies), Armed conflict and peace-building in Burma - theoretical, strategic and general
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar President U Win Myint on Saturday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Naypyidaw, the country's capital, with both sides pledging to strengthen high-level exchanges to push bilateral ties to a new high.
The Myanmar president expressed gratitude to China for its long-term support for Myanmar's sovereignty, dignity and socio-economic development.
He hoped that both sides will take the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to consolidate and deepen mutual political trust, speed up the joint construction of the Belt and Road, comprehensively press forward the building of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The president also hope to expand cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, education, health, and enhance cooperation and coordination in regional and international issues so as to further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He also hoped that China would continue to support Myanmar in pressing forward the ongoing national reconciliation and peace process..."
Source/publisher:
"China Global Television Network (CGTN)" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-08
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma relations, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with China, Border Trade with China, “One Belt, One Road” initiative
Language:
more
Sub-title:
For instance, the Kara-Balta oil refinery -- Kyrgyzstan's largest Chinese investment -- has faced significant problems with overcapacity in the recent years.
Description:
"Chinese infrastructure projects under its One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiatives in Central Asia, Pakistan and Myanmar are projected to lose money due to underutilisation and could potentially cause more harm than good, a prominent US think-tank said in a report on Thursday.
In its latest report on China, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said India has expressed significant hesitation toward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China.
Leaders in New Delhi opted out of both the 2017 and 2019 Belt and Road Forums. In addition to being generally skeptical of the BRI, one specific major concern is building of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Kashmir, it said. Economic considerations further complicate these concerns, the CSIS said in its report.
"BRI infrastructure projects in Central Asia, Pakistan and Myanmar are projected to lose money due to underutilisation and could potentially cause more harm than good, it said.
For instance, the Kara-Balta oil refinery -- Kyrgyzstan's largest Chinese investment -- has faced significant problems with overcapacity in the recent years..."
Source/publisher:
"News 18" (UK)
Date of publication:
2019-12-05
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma/Myanmar's Foreign relations, general, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Refugees from conflict in the northern part of Myanmar’s Shan state say they are worried that their land could be confiscated for Chinese-backed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related infrastructure projects while they are unable to return because of fighting.
In 2011, armed conflict between Myanmar’s military and several insurgent groups in the area broke out in northern Shan. Fighting intensified in 2015 as the military began conflict with the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS).
The fighting has caused nearly 17,000 IDP to seek shelter in Namtu, Kutkai, Namhkam and Mong Yawng townships according to statistics kept by volunteer organizations. These IDP are worried because they don’t have the proper legal documentation for lands that they consider to be ancestral.
Seng Tu, an internally displaced person (IDP) living in the Kutkai refugee camp, and a member of the IDP farmland committee, told RFA’s Myanmar Service that fellow refugees are very concerned and want a freeze on the Chinese projects.
“The government is planning projects like reservoirs or agricultural zones on our land without our knowledge,” he said..."
Source/publisher:
"Radio Free Asia (RFA)" (USA)
Date of publication:
2019-12-06
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Land research including land grabbing - global and regional, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor is as likely to fuel fighting as quell it
Description:
"Two years ago ethnic cleansing by the army forced 700,000 Muslim Rohingyas to flee Rakhine state, in western Myanmar, and seek sanctuary across the border in Bangladesh. On August 22nd, outside dismal refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar, buses and lorries lined up for the first of many envisaged repatriations taking Rohingyas back home. But there was a hitch: not a single Rohingya came forward.
Nor will many change their minds soon. Predominantly Buddhist Myanmar denies citizenship to the persecuted Rohingyas. The word means people from Rakhine, yet the government claims they are not Burmese but “Bengali” impostors. Having been refused formal id cards, it is impossible for many Rohingyas to prove that they used to live in Myanmar, one of the government’s conditions for repatriation. Besides, what is there to go back to? Their former villages have been razed. Rohingyas who remain in Rakhine now live in camps, too..."
Source/publisher:
"The Economist" (London)
Date of publication:
2019-08-29
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians
Language:
more
Description:
"Hopes are high that China’s swelling middle-class travellers will be able to help steer Myanmar’s lagging tourism industry to recovery.
As many longhaul markets continue to shrink for Myanmar, China has emerged the front runner in arrivals. Yangon International Airport welcomed 80 per cent more Chinese visitors in the first eight months of 2019, based on the latest available figures. Sammy Samuels, managing director of Myanmar Shalom, said: “The Chinese are playing a key role in stimulating the tourism industry’s recovery.”
He added that the spike in visitors from China is helping fill hotels, with some starting to see full occupancy, while there have been reports of large groups taking hot air balloon trips in Bagan.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s two Yangon-based properties have been “encouraged” by the uptick in interest from China – now its strongest source market – amid slumping markets, said Neo Soon Hup, executive vice-president, operations.
An increase in charter flight connections to Chinese destinations will spur greater awareness of Myanmar as a travel destination, noted Khiri Travel Myanmar general manager Melissa Tan, and subsequently more “discerning segments will follow”.
But to truly tap into China’s potential as a visitor source market, Myanmar needs to promote experiences away from what can be had in China – and they need to be accessible, she added..."
Source/publisher:
"TTG Asia"
Date of publication:
2019-12-04
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Myanmar pins hopes on brand new city to entice foreign investment and jobs, but must respond to concerns about transparency and sea-level rise
Description:
"It’s summer and Yangon is scorching hot. The hotel air-conditioning shuts down as it does several times a day due to electricity shortages. Shops and apartment buildings fire up growling diesel generators whose fumes mix poisonously with the exhaust of the second-hand Japanese cars streaming past.
I’m waiting for a ferry at Pansodan pier in the south of the city. Behind me is Yangon’s “Bund”, a row of colonial-era commercial and administrative buildings. In front is the Yangon river, whose waters flow gently, if a little murkily. On the other bank I can see the township of Dala. The view is flat and rural, a stark contrast to Yangon’s bustling cityscape.
Reaching Dala, I take a motorbike westwards, crossing the Twante canal via a steel bridge with an unpaved surface that makes the wheels skid. Farmers are transplanting rice in plots either side of the road. It’s countryside the whole way. ’ve come to see the area where a new city is being planned. Dubbed Myanmar’s Shenzhen, “New Yangon City” will cover 80km2 west of the Yangon river. Although only separated from the old city by the river, the area is relatively cut off. The only direct route is via the ferry to Dala..."
Source/publisher:
Chinadialogue (London/Beijing)
Date of publication:
2019-11-29
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Other Special Economic Zones, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
We should not play down the geopolitical consequences of the Chinese-led globalization that BRI v.2.0 represents.
Description:
"Last week, China hosted the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation in Beijing. This was an occasion to take stock, as well as introduce course corrections into the process of unrolling the six-year old Belt and Road Initiative.
37 countries and 29 international organizations participated in the event, with notable presence of Russian President Putin, President Pinera of Chile, President Ueli Maurer of Switzerland, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Prominent India’s neighbors who marked their presence over there were President Bindiya Bhandari of Nepal, Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, State Counsellor Aung San Su-Kyi of Myanmar. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and managing director of the IMF Christine Lagarde also attended the event.
The first phase of BRI was an unfolding of China constructing connectivity hardware — railway lines, highways, ports and pipelines. The emphasis now is to improve the software — international cooperation, trade agreements, customs and taxation procedures and financial processes, which is to be linked with China’s overall plans for transforming its domestic economy to emphasize “quality construction” based on innovation and science and technology. On the other hand there is a conscious effort to connect it to a new phase of Chinese global policy which seeks to expand China’s geopolitical reach by assisting developing countries to overcome poverty and joblessness..."
Source/publisher:
"Observer Research Foundation (ORF)" (India)
Date of publication:
2019-05-02
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"A China Agritech and Engineering Machinery Brand Show kicked off in Myanmar's Yangon Friday.
Sponsored by the China's Ministry of Commerce, the three-day show will last until Sunday.
The show occupies 3,000 square meters' space with 76 booths displaying products of companies from Shandong, Yunnan, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces.
The show is attached with agriculture-related forum.
Speaking at the opening of the show, Zhang Jing from Foreign Trade Development Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, noted that China's cooperation with Myanmar in building "Belt and Road" and economic corridor in recent years was in steady progress.
China is not only Myanmar's largest investor but also a top trading partner representing the biggest export market, she said, placing emphasis on agricultural cooperation with Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-11-22
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, Border Trade with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Winding through many of the areas of conflict in Myanmar’s areas dominated by ethnic minorities, the China Myanmar Economic Corridor may spark off more fighting, writes Nicholas Lo
Description:
"A year ago, Myanmar and China signed an agreement to establish the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), as part of China’s Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. Today, that corridor is mired in conflict between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups.
Stretching 1,700 kilometres, the CMEC’s network of new railways, trade zones and other major infrastructure projects is meant to mesh the comparatively impoverished economy of Myanmar with its wealthier neighbour’s landlocked southern province of Yunnan. However, ongoing armed conflict and lingering resentment against Chinese investments mean the future of the CMEC is uncertain.
Since its transition to semi-civilian rule in 2011, Myanmar has proven to be more cautious with Chinese investments than other developing countries. In August 2018, Myanmar officials negotiated an 80% cost reduction to the proposed Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, trimming the project from over USD 7 billion to USD 1.3 billion, Reuters reported. The Myanmar side, led by deputy finance minister Set Aung, baulked at the risk of an excessive debt burden.
This mindset has extended to new CMEC deals, where Myanmar officials have successfully set out conditions for major Chinese investments, insisting on the right to open tenders and the ability to seek international financing. So far, out of 38 projects proposed by China for the CMEC, Myanmar’s government has approved nine..."
Source/publisher:
"The Third Pole"
Date of publication:
2019-11-26
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Chinese investment, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Economic powerhouse is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects around the world
Description:
"This story is part of a CBC News series exploring China's expanding influence around the world and how Canada and other countries are contending with China's growing power.
Back in 2013, when the U.S. and many other countries were still recovering from the Great Recession, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced perhaps the most transparently ambitious foreign policy of the new century: the Belt and Road Initiative.
The name is a nod to the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected China with the Roman Empire and many societies in between.
The modern version envisioned by Xi goes even further.
China is financing hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure projects — including ports, roads, bridges, railways, power plants, telecommunications networks and much more — in partnering countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond.
The purpose, China says, is to accelerate and enhance development and trade in order to create new markets and opportunities for China and its partners..."
Source/publisher:
"CBC news" (Toronto)
Date of publication:
2019-11-27
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides momentum for regional economic integration and connectivity, helping China and ASEAN forge a closer community of shared future, said Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Nam Hong.
Hor made the remarks Saturday at the opening ceremony of the 16th China-ASEAN Expo themed "Building the Belt & Road, Realizing Our Vision for a Community of Shared Future."
The deputy vice prime minister envisioned that the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and the BRI will further deepen the cooperation between the two sides in the joint pursuit of shared prosperity.
Statistics show that China has signed cooperation agreements with more than 130 countries across the globe and 30 international organizations on jointly building the Belt and Road, benefiting people of the involved nations.
Highlighting regional economic cooperation, this year's China-ASEAN expo is expected to lift the practical and comprehensive cooperation between China, ASEAN and other countries participating in the BRI to new heights..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-09-23
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with ASEAN, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, ASEAN-Burma relations, China-Burma relations
Language:
more