Myanmar and China reaffirmed their longstanding “Pauk-Phaw” fraternal ties during the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival 2026 held at the National Indoor Stadium (1) in Thuwunna, Yangon, marking the Year of the Horse with pledges to deepen strategic cooperation.

Speaking at the celebration, Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Vice-Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said bilateral relations upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2011 continue to expand across multiple sectors. He recalled that during President Xi Jinping’s 2020 state visit, the two countries agreed to build a “Myanmar-China Community with a Shared Future,” describing it as a historic milestone.

The Vice-Senior General highlighted ongoing cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity, including the Kyaukpyu deep-sea port, oil and gas pipelines, and railway projects linking Muse, Mandalay and Kyaukpyu. He noted that Myanmar’s strategic location offers China access to the Indian Ocean and reiterated Nay Pyi Taw’s commitment to the One-China Policy.

at the ceremony 

He also expressed appreciation for Beijing’s support in Myanmar’s peace process and post-earthquake assistance following the March 2025 Mandalay quake. Myanmar, he added, is preparing to convene Hluttaw sessions after concluding a multiparty general election, with a new government expected to take office in April.

Chinese Ambassador Ma Jia said 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with leaders of both countries meeting twice and advancing economic cooperation. Bilateral trade rose by 19 percent, while Chinese investment in Myanmar increased by 230 percent, she said, adding that more than 250,000 Chinese tourists visited Myanmar last year.

According to Global New Light of Myanmar, the event featured traditional lion dances, cultural performances, a commemorative basketball contest and exchanges of gifts between senior officials and representatives of Myanmar and Chinese associations.

Both sides expressed confidence that the Year of the Horse would bring renewed momentum to cooperation, regional stability, and shared prosperity for the two neighboring nations.

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