China Puts $6 Million Into Myanmar’s Development Fund – A Friendly Neighbour Move?
A Quick Snapshot
- China is transferring over US$6 million (S$8 million) to Myanmar’s government to back 21 development projects.
- All of this is happening under the military junta that ousted Myanmar’s elected leaders on 2 Feb.
- While Western powers are vocally condemning the coup, China is striking a more “stable‑nation” chord.
Why the Chill in Beijing?
Foreign‑policy in China doesn’t revolve around moral policing. The embassy’s statement says the priority is stability, not meddling in neighbourhood affairs. In other words, if you’re a neighbour, show a little love by keeping the peace – that’s China’s rule of thumb.
Project Line‑up Under Mekong‑Lancang Cooperation
- Animal vaccines – because pandemics aren’t just for humans.
- Culture – fostering a sense of “we’re all friends” through arts and heritage.
- Agriculture – because everyone needs food.
- Science – hopefully to stop the culprit that turned many people sick.
- Tourism – to tempt tourists with southern splendour.
- Disaster prevention – beauty for the family clock.
Signing the Deal
According to Myanmar’s foreign ministry, a formal agreement was signed on Monday by the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar. The Chinese embassy even posted the story on its FB page to herald the kid‑do‑great‑news moment.
China’s Growing Prowess in Myanmar
The Chinese firm‑hand is felt all over the country: oil and gas pipelines scroll through Myanmar; economic zones are sprouting like bamboo; and a major port is in the works. Big‑mouth China says it is devoted to solving the crisis through diplomacy, refusing to fall on the accusation that it supports the coup.
Western Nations Keep the Aid Flowing
- The United States released US$50 million to help relief groups in Myanmar thanks to a Covid‑19 spike.
- US funds aim to aid both people fleeing violence and those fetching water, food, and shelter.
- State Department said, “This funding comes at a critical point of rising humanitarian needs and will help mitigate the impacts of Covid‑19 on the lives of the people of both Thailand and Burma.”
- Meanwhile, Myanmar folks continue to flee because violence is as persistent as the fresh rain.
Covid‑19 – The Other Chaos
Myanmar sadly hit a record last month with 3,824 new infections daily on average, with 333,127 cases and 12,014 deaths since the pandemic began. Pressure builds, and emergency help has not slowed.
Key Take‑away
So, while the world is shouting about the coup, China is quietly dropping cash in the spirit of “let’s keep the neighbourhood pretty.” Meanwhile, the U.S. keeps pumping life‑sustaining aid into war‑torn, virus‑stricken Myanmar. It’s a complex mix of politics, humanitarianism, and a touch of international intrigue. Stay tuned!
