Turning Myanmar ties into progress

Myanmar and China share a long-standing friendship rooted in centuries of historical, geographical and cultural connections. The two countries must translate this enduring relationship into practical benefits for their peoples through agricultural cooperation, responsible investment, regional connectivity and stronger people-to-people exchanges.

The relationship has developed steadily over the years. In 2011, it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and in 2020, the two countries agreed to advance the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future. High-level exchanges continue to strengthen ties. During the Myanmar president's state visit to China in June, the two countries' leaders reaffirmed a shared commitment to cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, agriculture, energy, security and people-to-people exchanges. This provides fresh momentum for practical cooperation.

Agriculture is the foundation of Myanmar's economy and a major source of employment and livelihood. China's advanced agricultural technologies, modern farming systems and large consumer market offer valuable opportunities for Myanmar to increase productivity and improve rural incomes.

Cooperation should go beyond exporting agricultural raw materials. Modern farming, agro-processing, food safety, agricultural research and value-added production all offer scope for deeper collaboration. Given the close geographical and economic ties between Myanmar and China's Yunnan province, cross-border cooperation can help strengthen food security and promote sustainable rural development.

Trade and investment are equally important pillars of the bilateral relationship. China is Myanmar's largest trading partner and one of its major sources of foreign investment. Official data show bilateral trade exceeded $11.37 billion in the first half of 2026, up 27.6 percent from a year earlier. China's cumulative approved investment in Myanmar exceeded $21.5 billion as of April 30.

Since March, Myanmar has also allowed eligible foreign capital investments to be made in Chinese yuan, a measure intended to facilitate Chinese investment.

Myanmar welcomes more responsible and sustainable Chinese investment, particularly projects that create jobs, support local businesses, transfer technology and strengthen domestic production. Investment should also be commercially viable, environmentally responsible and beneficial to local communities.

The value of economic cooperation should be measured not simply by the volume of capital invested, but also by its contribution to sustainable growth and people's livelihoods.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership offers further opportunities to expand trade and investment by improving market access and facilitating trade. This can strengthen regional economic integration and benefit both countries.

Regional connectivity offers another avenue for cooperation. The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor provides an important framework for strengthening bilateral economic ties and connecting markets across the region. Major projects, including the Kyaukphyu Deep-Sea Port, the Mandalay-Muse Railway and related transport and energy infrastructure, can contribute significantly to Myanmar's economic development.

Advancing these projects requires a commitment to mutual benefit, financial sustainability and respect for national laws and regulations. There is also scope to explore the extension of the CMEC into a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. Myanmar's geographical position offers opportunities to connect southwestern China with the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean region. Such an extension merits careful consideration in terms of regional economic integration, transport connectivity and shared development.

Yet infrastructure alone cannot guarantee success. The implementation of major projects depends heavily on peace, stability and the rule of law, particularly along transport corridors and in project areas. Economic development and peace-building must therefore advance together.

Myanmar continues to pursue peace through dialogue and engagement with ethnic armed organizations. In September, discussions were held between Myanmar's National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee and representatives of ethnic armed organizations that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. China played a constructive role in the peace process, including by facilitating dialogue in northern Myanmar.

Continued engagement and support for national reconciliation can help create more favorable conditions for reopening border trade routes, attracting investment and implementing economic corridor projects. Lasting peace is an essential foundation of economic development.

Security cooperation is another important dimension of the bilateral partnership.

Myanmar has worked with China and other neighboring countries to combat telecom and online fraud, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. Myanmar has also introduced legislative measures against online fraud.

Closer cooperation in law enforcement, information sharing and border management can help protect citizens, improve regional security and create a safer environment for legitimate economic activity.

The long-term strength of China-Myanmar relations rests on the ties between their peoples.

Myanmar has introduced measures to facilitate travel by Chinese nationals, including electronic visas, tourist visas on arrival and longer-term multiple-entry visa arrangements for eligible Chinese business visitors. These measures support tourism, business exchanges and closer personal contact.

China remains an important tourism market for Myanmar, while Yunnan province offers opportunities to expand cross-border tourism and cultural exchanges.

China's continued support for Myanmar's human resources development through scholarships, professional training and technical cooperation is also valuable. Think tanks can contribute by promoting joint research, academic exchanges, policy dialogue and closer institutional partnerships. Stronger people-to-people connections will help sustain the two countries' longstanding "pauk-phaw", or fraternal, friendship.

Environmental sustainability must also remain central to future cooperation.

As Myanmar and China expand collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, industry and energy, they should pay due attention to environmental conservation, responsible resource management and the well-being of local communities.

China's experience in green development, renewable energy, modern agriculture and technological innovation offers opportunities for practical cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Ultimately, the success of the China-Myanmar partnership should not be measured only by the agreements signed, the investment committed or the infrastructure built. It should also be measured by the tangible improvements these efforts bring to people's lives.

As Myanmar and China continue to strengthen their relationship, their shared task is to turn longstanding friendship into inclusive, sustainable and mutually beneficial development.

By combining practical economic cooperation with peace-building, environmental responsibility and closer people-to-people ties, the two countries can work toward a more peaceful, prosperous and interconnected future.

The author is a former deputy foreign minister of Myanmar, and chairman of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies. This article is adapted from the author's remarks at the 7th Myanmar-China Think Tank Forum on Oct 20-22 in Mangshi, Yunnan province.

The views do not necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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