Congratulations on the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Myanmar
June 11, 2020
June 8, 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. The two countries are linked by mountains and rivers, with a long history of exchanges, which can be traced back over 2000 years. In the diplomatic history of the People’s Republic of China, the establishment of friendly relations with Myanmar is of great significance. Myanmar is the first non-socialist Asian country to recognize the PRC. “I live at the source of the river, and you live at its mouth. We share infinite love between each other, for we live along the same river. Being relatives, we speak similar languages, unite and help with each other, and with peace, we share considerable power and strength.” This is a poem called To My Burmese Friends written by the former deputy premier Chen Yi at the end of 1957, which is also a true portrait of the friendship between China and Myanmar. Premier Zhou Enlai visited Myanmar nine times, and Myanmar Prime Minister Ne Win visited China on twelve occasions. Such frequent exchanges of leaders laid the foundation for the friendly relations between the two countries. In recent years, the two countries have made remarkable progress in cooperation in various fields. President Xi’s state visit to Myanmar at the beginning of this year marked a milestone in the development of China-Myanmar relations. The two countries are jointly committed to building a community with a shared future for China and Myanmar, and injecting new impetus and vitality into the bilateral relations.
But at the same time, if problems of the relations are not paid close attention, especially in terms of people-to-people exchanges, these will develop into discordant notes in the new era. For example, the issue of “Myanmar ethnic local militias” in northern Myanmar has become a security risk to the southwest of China and has affected the healthy and steady development of the China-Myanmar relations. The recognition and favor of Myanmar’s people for China, especially in its media, has gradually decreased. The Myanmar government has pursued a strategy of “balancing the great powers”, often provoking China through the development of its relations with India and other countries, etc. In spite of all these difficulties and challenges, with the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence jointly proposed by the two countries, it is believed that China and Myanmar can build on the experience of inclusiveness accumulated over the past 70 years, ushering in another glorious 70 years of friendly relations.
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