Greater Cooperation under BRI

By Huang Jiangqin

Win Tin,editor-inchief of Myanmar’s Northern Light Journal.(YUNNAN DAILY)

Win Tin,a media professional from Myanmar,looks forward to continued advancement of BRI and CMEC construction

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF)was held in Beijing from October 17 to 18.The high-profile forum was centered on the theme “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.” The event,the most significant celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI),was also an important platform for discussing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.Delegates from over 130 countries and over 30 international organizations attended.

Over the past decade,China and Myanmar have achieved fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation.In September 2018,the two countries signed cooperation documents on building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC)aimed at strengthening cooperation in infrastructure,manufacturing,investment,energy,natural resources,agriculture,tourism,and human resources development.The two sides have already made effective progress in connectivity,economic and trade cooperation,financial flow,and cultural exchange,effectively deepening results-oriented Belt and Road cooperation.

Win Tin,editor-in-chief of Myanmar’s Northern Light Journal,raved about the BRI’s achievements over the past 10 years in an interview with China Report ASEAN on the eve of the 3rd BRF.

China Report ASEAN: China and Myanmar have launched many landmark projects since the introduction of the BRI 10 years ago.What are your areas of concern? How significant has the Belt and Road been?

Win Tin:In September 2017,I was invited to participate in the Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road.I attended a seminar at Tsinghua University and communicated with officials from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.I learned that the Belt and Road Initiative is an important project to promote peace and development in Asian countries.I realized that it is an opportunity to help Myanmar climb out of poverty.

Upon my return to Myanmar,I published a series of articles in Northern Light Journal themed“A Burmese journalist’s view of the BRI.” In those articles,I argued that China’s BRI would help Myanmar’s development,expressing my appreciation and support.As a Myanmar journalist,I have continued writing articles to explain and support the Belt and Road because it is of great significance to Myanmar.We were glad to see the two countries sign cooperation documents on building the CMEC under the framework of BRI in September 2018.

In April 2015,Chinese President Xi Jinping met with then-Myanmar President U Thein Sein and said that China would always view its relations with Myanmar from a strategic and long-term perspective and stand ready to maintain highlevel exchange,strengthen exchange of governance experience,and deepen strategic cooperation with Myanmar.China continues to appreciate Myanmar’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor.It stands ready to promote the China-Myanmar highway,theIrrawaddy land and water transport route,and other connectivity projects within the cooperation framework and advance cooperation in key areas such as agriculture,electricity,and finance.

A CNPC engineer directs the unloading of oil at a port of the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline project on Maday Island in Kyaukpyu,Myanmar,on January 13,2020.(DU YU)

Those words remain fresh in my memory.The CMEC is an essential component of the BRI.Myanmar’s infrastructure is outdated,so completion of the CMEC,which will connect the poorest areas and the most developed areas in Myanmar,is of great significance for integrating Myanmar’s economic development pattern and promoting economic growth.

The China-Myanmar Railway and the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone have attracted considerable attention as important parts of the CMEC.Through many visits to China,I learned that China’s rapid economic development can be attributed to the implementation of reform and opening-up policy,good governance,and forward-looking leadership from the Chinese government.Equally important were the establishment of special economic zones and the opening of highway and rail networks.They provided the foundation and a guarantee for China’s economic development.

China Report ASEAN: The 3rd BRF is just around the corner.What are you expecting?

Win Tin:The upcoming 3rd BRF will reveal many new goals and plans for the next 10 years of the BRI.Although I am unable to attend in person,I would like to convey some messages from Myanmar to the Forum.

At the meeting of Financial Commission on August 25,2022,Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing declared that “the three special economic zones in Kyaukpyu,Dawei,and port of Thilawa will not only benefit Myanmar but also the economic development of neighboring countries and regions.” This is even more reason to work hard to achieve rapid development.Similarly,construction of deep-sea ports such as Dawei Port will contribute to our country’s development and should be developed as quickly as possible.Since construction of the Muse-Mandalay Railway is already on the agenda,the Qingshuihe-Lashio Railway should break ground as soon as possible.The feasibility of constructing a railroad from Kyaukpyu deep-water port to Mandalay is now being discussed.”I hope China and Myanmar can accelerate implementation of these projects after the forum.

Aerial photo taken on December 9,2018 shows an arch bridge across the Nujiang River in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.With a single span of 490 meters,the bridge is a key project of the China-Myanmar international railway corridor linking Kunming,the provincial capital of Yunnan,with Yangon of Myanmar.(XINHUA)

China Report ASEAN:According to your experience,how does the general public in Myanmar view the BRI? As a senior media professional,what do you suggest to enhance understanding of the BRI?

Win Tin:People in Myanmar know very little about the BRI.Many have been manipulated by rumors seeking to undermine China-Myanmar cooperation.Even before the BRI was proposed,many voices were already busy undermining China-Myanmar cooperation and friendly relations.When the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline project was launched,rumors emerged that it would split Myanmar into two parts.After the Myitsone hydropower project began,some local people organized to protest and obstruct the construction of the plant.Voices of opposition have never ceased.Not until the Myanmar people became personally involved in social governance and economic development at Kyaukpyu deep-sea port and Dawei Special Economic Zone did they realize the benefits of cooperation.

Obviously,all previous delays and failures of China-Myanmar cooperation projects can be traced to the instigation by so-called “experts” of some countries.Now,people are becoming more aware of the need for vigilance with some foreign non-governmental organizations.

I suggest integrating traditional and new media and opening new channels for dissemination of information by authorities to enhance public understanding of China-Myanmar cooperation.A web-based platform can be established and operated by professional and experienced personnel to ensure free access to accurate information on the BRI and the CMEC.We need a long-term information center to help facilitate China-Myanmar cooperation.

No such institution or platform presently performs this function of bridging communication between China and Myanmar.Reports on China-Myanmar cooperation in Myanmar are not good enough.Whenever possible,I am eager to help those thirsty for information on projects related to the BRI.

China Report ASEAN: Some Western media have accused the BRI of creating “debt traps.”What do you think?

Win Tin:The BRI is not a “debt trap diplomacy” as alleged by some Western media pundits.It starkly contrasts the capitalexploiting practices of some Western countries.It is an initiative aimed at promoting economic growth,trade cooperation,and infrastructure development.If China wants to be a global leader,shouldn’t it just invade and arm other countries like some Western countries do? The purpose of the BRI is to free people from poverty,prevent conflict,promote peace,and build a community with a shared future.

China Report ASEAN: Do you have any suggestions on further integrating the BRI with Myanmar’s economic development plan?

Win Tin:The CMEC project is considered a typical effort to implement the BRI.Myanmar is an underdeveloped country plagued by a complicated political system,frequent armed conflict,and heavy interference from Western powers.Construction of the CMEC aligns with the BRI’s goal of promoting peace and development and should be continuously promoted.The task is challenging but not insurmountable,and the wisdom and foresight China has shown in working with countries along the Belt and Road gives me confidence that we can succeed.