Interview: Myanmar state counselor's visit to China further boosts "paukphaw" friendship: expert

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi's recent visit to China has further promoted the "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between the two countries, an expert on international studies said.

U Nyunt Maung Shein, chairman of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, made the comments in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

Aung San Suu Kyi paid an official visit to China from Aug. 17 to 21. Suu Kyi's decision to choose China as the first non-ASEAN country destination after taking office is a prudent and wise move, said the expert.

Suu Kyi attaches great importance to international relations, especially with neighboring countries and such a "paukphaw" friendship exists only with China, U Nyunt Maung Shein said.

Also of great importance is mutual assistance, he stressed, referring to China's readiness to attend as an invited observer the upcoming 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference at the end of this month, to help in Myanmar's peace process which he also assessed is in the best interests of the country.

He went on to say that he sees good prospects for China's investment in Myanmar and trade ties with the country, anticipating that they will be smooth with regard to some major projects which are heading in a positive direction as indicated by a joint statement from the two countries made at the end of Suu Kyi's visit.

He pointed out that Myanmar-China relations have been traditionally good since Myanmar's independence and the founding of the People's Republic of China, with frequent reciprocal visits made by leaders of the two countries.

Regarding Bangladesh -China-India-Myanmar economic corridor and China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, U Nyunt Maung Shein recalled that the previous Myanmar government had supported the initiatives and taken part in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in view of its good prospects.

Myanmar, as a developing country, was encouraged to source loans from the AIIB for its development, he said.

Linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the economic corridor plan, there are a number of projects that can be carried out that will benefit countries along the routes, he said.

U Nyunt Maung Shein maintained that if Myanmar realizes peace in the country, continuous assistance China provides to Myanmar in its economic development will help to eliminate poverty and give rise to a middle-class population in the country. Endit