"Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?s visit to China last month created a frenzy of global media interest. The big question was about the apparent contradiction between her defiant resistance to this country?s former military regime and the repressive policies of China?s government. Many wondered whether Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would comment on sensitive human rights issues under the noses of her Communist hosts. The long-term imprisonment of Liu Xiaobo, a fellow Nobel laureate, had some speculating that Myanmar?s icon of democracy would wade into China?s difficult domestic politics. Yet the point of this visit was something else entirely: showcasing the overwhelming pragmatism of both sides. Whatever Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?s misgivings about China?s internal management, she has become far too savvy a political operator to let that interfere with her changing stature on the global stage. In the lead-up to this year?s election she is being courted aggressively by almost everyone, and it is understandable that the Chinese have sought to charm her into their embrace. The visit programs for such figures are always handled carefully to minimise the possibility of surprises. But it is surprising that one of the conclusions from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?s first China visit is about estrangement. Some have even sounded the death knell for strong relations between China and Myanmar. Surely this is premature. Relations between the two countries will never be simple. With more than 2 million Chinese citizens and former Chinese citizens living in Myanmar, there is much at stake for both sides. Billions of dollars from China have been invested in Myanmar?s cities, and in the country?s transport, mining and energy infrastructure."