A ceremony to organize the 2025 Snake Year of Chinese New Year celebration took place at the National Indoor Stadium I in Thuwunna in Yangon on 25 January, and it was attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla. The Senior General and his wife were warmly welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Ms. Ma Jia, distinguished guests and officials.
The troupe of eight lions paid respect to the Senior General and his wife and the Chinese Ambassador with towels to mark the Chinese New Year. The Senior General and the Chinese Ambassador pressed the button to launch the New Year festival.
The Senior General and his wife offered Buddha images and a flower basket to the Shaolin monks. The Senior General, his wife and the Chinese Ambassador posed for documentary photos together with attendees. They visited the Chinese traditional cultural booths from Chinatown and Chinese traditional food booths. At the dinner to mark the Year of Snake, the Senior General and his wife, and the Chinese Ambassador painted the traditional Chinese lion statue.
In his Chinese New Year wishes, the Senior General highlighted the following points:
- China and Myanmar share a geographical border spanning over 1,300 miles, reflecting close ties in ethnicity and culture. China and Myanmar have cultivated strong relations, including paukphaw relationship, a strategic cooperative partnership, and the development of a community of shared interests. He stated that he would continue to work hard to further strengthen China-Myanmar relations and the friendship between the two people.
- It is observed that China is implementing BRI projects to promote the development of regional countries, including Myanmar, as well as other nations around the world, rather than focusing solely on its own development.
- Regarding Myanmar, with the implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor projects, I would like to state that Myanmar truly values China's peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
- Myanmar will continue to stand as a reliable and supportive neighbor to China by fostering conditions that accelerate the implementation of joint projects with China.
- During the discussion with the Chinese Premier, he reaffirmed his full support and encouragement for Myanmar's domestic stability, as discussed during the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Myanmar. He expressed support for activities being implemented in line with SAC's five-point roadmap and assistance for election-related matters, as well as steps to further enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields and the political and trust-based development of China-Myanmar relations.
- He stated that he had the opportunity to meet with Chinese business leaders in Kunming to discuss Myanmar's economic prospects. He noted the strong interest and enthusiasm of Chinese business leaders towards Myanmar and emphasized that this engagement would further boost Chinese business investments in the country.
- SAC is implementing the plans in accordance with the established future processes to guide the country back onto the path of genuine and disciplined democracy. The successful efforts in this regard are due to the support of our strong neighbor, China.
- He stated that he would like to reaffirm his gratitude to the Chinese government and all Chinese citizens for their steadfast support of Myanmar's independence and sovereignty, as well as their ongoing support for peace and stability. He also stated that he would like to request continued assistance in Myanmar's peace process and the efforts being made for the country's development.
- However, both domestic and international groups do not welcome the friendly and close relations between the two nations and they employ various methods to instigate Myanmar and China. Therefore, it is crucial for the authorities and citizens of both countries to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding their mutual ties.
- In light of this, it was urged that the people of Myanmar, Chinese - Myanmar associations within Myanmar, Chinese descendants in Myanmar, and Chinese citizens working in Myanmar should collaborate with a sense of patriotism and mutual harmony, living together in unity. By doing so, everyone should strive to maintain and strengthen the relationship between China and Myanmar, ensuring that the two nations continue to stand as strong, everlasting, and friendly neighbours.
Afterward, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar delivered New Year greetings, stating that the Chinese New Year is the most significant festival for the Chinese people and expressing great joy in welcoming the Year of the Snake. Throughout this year, both nations have maintained positive progress in mutual exchanges and collaborations in various sectors, including culture, tourism, and religious affairs. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. With the attention and guidance of the leaders of both countries, the comprehensive and strategic partnership between the two nations has yielded fruitful results, fostering new developments and creating numerous opportunities for development of both peoples. With this in mind, best wishes are extended for continued growth, harmony, and lasting peace between the two countries.
Then, the Senior General and his wife joined attendees of the ceremony to partake in a dinner reception held in honour of the Chinese New Year. During the dinner, entertainment was provided by a special cultural and literary performance group from China, Chinese cultural troupes presented traditional Chinese songs and music performances, while external artists entertained with various songs. During the performances, a speech was delivered celebrating Myanmar's traditional New Year water festival (Thingyan), which was the first to be inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In recognition of this honour, the Myawady Band performed the Thingyan song “Khit Lay Khit” (Four Eras), it is reported.
Source: MWD (26-1-2025)
- It is observed that China is implementing BRI projects to promote the development of regional countries, including Myanmar, as well as other nations around the world, rather than focusing solely on its own development.
- Regarding Myanmar, with the implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor projects, I would like to state that Myanmar truly values China's peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
- During the discussion with the Chinese Premier, he reaffirmed his full support and encouragement for Myanmar's domestic stability, as discussed during the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Myanmar. He expressed support for activities being implemented in line with SAC's five-point roadmap and assistance for election-related matters, as well as steps to further enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields and the political and trust-based development of China-Myanmar relations.
- He stated that he would like to reaffirm his gratitude to the Chinese government and all Chinese citizens for their steadfast support of Myanmar's independence and sovereignty, as well as their ongoing support for peace and stability. He also stated that he would like to request continued assistance in Myanmar's peace process and the efforts being made for the country's development.