China and Myanmar formally signed the Kyaukphyu Port Agreement, with a lease term of up to 99 years. The signing of this agreement is not easy, but for China, opening up the port of Kyaukphyu means an important export from the Indian Ocean and relieves shipping pressure in the Strait of Malacca. Kyaukpyu Harbour is strategically located facing the Bay of Bengal and is blessed with natureDeep-water portAdvantage. Once completed, the port will be able to accommodate 300,000-ton ocean-going passenger and cargo ships. In addition, since the distance with China's Yunnan is only 650 kilometers in a straight line, Yunnan's goods go to sea through Kyaukpyu Port, which can reduce the sailing distance of thousands of nautical miles, save about a week of time and a lot of freight. In addition, since Yunnan goods usually have to pass through Guangdong before they can go to sea, the freight cannot be ignored, but if they are shipped directly to Kyaukpyu Port, it is expected to avoid the Strait of Malacca and further reduce transportation costs. In addition, according to the plan, the supporting facilities of Kyaukphyu Port also include oneChina-Myanmar Railway, the Chinese part has already been builtDalui Railway, that is, from Dali to Ruili City on the border of China and Myanmar, of which the Dabao section has been opened to traffic, and the construction project from Baoshan to Ruili is underway. Although the Myanmar part has not yet been built, it is withChina-Myanmar RailwayParallel oil and gas pipelines have been in operation for many years, transporting 12 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 20 million tons of oil to China every year. Although Myanmar will charge tolls, it can be said that it is a fairly good deal, considering the presence of a US military base near the Strait of Malacca. In fact, the idea of China-Myanmar cooperation on the Kyaukphyu port project began as early as 2009, when China signed it with MyanmarMemorandum of Cooperation。Subsequently, after 2010, China-Myanmar relations were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. China has also signed 17 agreements with Myanmar on energy, infrastructure andMiningand other areas of the memorandum, including:China-Myanmar Railway。According to the plan, China will raise most of the funds and have the right to operate it for 50 years, after which it will hand over the railway to Myanmar free of charge. However, in March 2014, Myanmar announcedChina-Myanmar RailwayPlans are suspended, Kyaukphyu PortDeep-water portThe project did not move forward either. Only half a year later, Myanmar invited a global tender for the Kyaukphyu Port project, and CITIC Group finally won the bid. However, when Aung San Suu Kyi came to power, progress was slow, and the project took nine years from its inception to its official launch. Later, due to the impact of the pandemic and the coup, Min Aung Hlaing** suspended the project on the grounds that the agreement was questionable, and demanded an increase in shareholding. Due to the political instability in Myanmar, the chaos in the country, and some non-**organizations funded by Western countries**, the project was eventually shelved. Now, civil unrest is once again taking place in Myanmar, and Western countries are imposing sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing's authorities. Considering MyanmarEconomyWith a recession and social unrest, Myanmar could find itself in even greater distress if it continues to work with China. By contrast, cooperation with China will also bring tangible benefits to Myanmar. China helps them build a quality oneDeep-water port, whileChina-Myanmar RailwayThe goods bring significant tolls to Myanmar every year. In addition, constructionDeep-water portwithChina-Myanmar RailwayIt can also promote employment, enable residents to live a better life, and reduce the factors of social instability. In addition,China-Laos RailwayThe success story has set an example for Myanmar to see throughChina-Myanmar Railway, able to work with ChinaEconomyOpportunities to realize tight connections. Looking back at previous opportunities, Myanmar has missed outChina-Myanmar RailwayI hope that this time we can return to the right historical track and win hand in hand with ChinaEconomyOpportunities for development.
The history of China-Myanmar cooperation in the development of the Kyaukphyu Port project dates back to 2009, when China and Myanmar signed the agreementMemorandum of Cooperation。Subsequently, after 2010**Thein Seinand elevate China-Myanmar relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Since then, China has signed 17 agreements with MyanmarMemorandum of Cooperation, covering energy, infrastructure andMiningand other fields, including:China-Myanmar Railway。According to the plan, China will be responsible for raising most of the funds and will have the right to operate it for 50 years, after which it will hand over the railway to Myanmar without compensation. However, due to the impact of various parties and changes in Myanmar's internal and external environment, the project went through several ups and downs until the Kyaukphyu Port Agreement was finally signed. In the process of advancing the project, it inevitably encountered various obstacles and difficulties, such as political changes, the impact of the epidemic, and Western intervention. However, despite the difficulties encountered, China and Myanmar firmly pushed forward the cause of cooperation, and finally realized the signing of the Kyaukpyu Port project. The hardships and twists and turns of this journey demonstrate the resilience and determination of the two countries to cooperate in the face of challenges.
The signing of the Kyaukphyu Port Agreement is a rare opportunity for both China and Myanmar. For China, the opening of the Kyaukpyu port opens up an important channel to the Indian Ocean, which can not only enhance China's strategic position in the Indian Ocean, but also relieve pressure on the Strait of Malacca. In particular, the goods in Yunnan region will be greatly shortened by going to sea through Kyaukpyu Port, reducing time and freight costs. At the same time, the cooperation project will also promote the development of China and MyanmarEconomydevelopment, create more employment opportunities, improve people's livelihood and well-being, and reduce the existence of social instability. At the same time, for Myanmar, it is necessary to cooperate with China in the construction of Kyaukphyu PortChina-Myanmar RailwayThere will also be great benefits. First, China can offer Myanmar more by helping them build a modern, deep-water portEconomyOpportunity. Secondly,China-Myanmar RailwayThe goods will bring a significant amount of toll revenue to Myanmar every year. In addition, constructionDeep-water portand railways will also boost employment, improve people's living conditions and reduce the likelihood of social unrest. In addition,China-Laos RailwayThe success story provides an example for Myanmar to see an opportunity to build strong ties with China. In the past, Myanmar missedChina-Myanmar RailwayI hope to seize the opportunity this time and realize it together with ChinaEconomyProsperity.
In short, the signing of the Kyaukphyu Port Agreement between China and Myanmar is of great strategic significanceEconomyvalue of the collaborative move. Despite the arduous journey, China and Myanmar persisted in promoting cooperation and ultimately succeeded. This cooperation will not only strengthen the relationship between China and MyanmarEconomyThe connection also brings great opportunities and development potential for both sides. It is hoped that this cooperation will inject new impetus into China-Myanmar relations and make greater contributions to the common prosperity and development of the two countries.