On May 5, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia published a signed article titled “Pauk-Phaw Friendship Strengthened Through Mutual Support, Ushering a New Chapter with Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit and Inclusiveness” on Myanmar’s official media outlets, including Global New Light of Myanmar, The Mirror, and Myanmar Alinn. As mentioned in the article, China extended a helping hand immediately after the strong earthquake in Myanmar, actively supporting the country in conducting emergency rescue, reconstruction and epidemic prevention and control. Amid the crisis, the people of Myanmar have demonstrated remarkable courage, optimism, and resilience. Although the earthquake may have torn the land apart, it cannot sever China-Myanmar “pauk-phaw” friendship, nor can it shake our belief and confidence in standing together through hardships. China-Myanmar friendship has endured for over 2,000 years. This not only inherits the “pauk-phaw” friendship but also embodies the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. In early April, China convened the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighbouring Countries, highlighting the need to focus on building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries. China will continue to assist the people of Myanmar in returning to normal life and production as soon as possible. As the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar is commemorated this year, China reaffirms its commitment to elevating bilateral ties to new heights and promoting the steady and long-term development of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future in the new era.

The following is the full text of the article:

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was suddenly hit by the most devastating earthquake in a century. At that time, I was in Beijing, and I watched with mounting worries and anxiety as images of destruction flooded news channels. The very next day, I quickly returned to Myanmar alongside the China Search and Rescue Team to participate in the earthquake relief efforts. I then visited the disaster-stricken areas to learn the situation and  the local needs in terms of rescue, supplies, medical care, and epidemic prevention and control. The devastation was overwhelming - roads were torn into gaping cracks, houses reduced to complete rubble, and in an instant, homes, schools, and gardens collapsed into ruins. This severe disaster deeply moved the hearts of mine and my colleagues at the Chinese embassy, but also of the 1.4 billion Chinese people. We sincerely offered our prayers for the victims of the earthquake and mobilized all available resources and means to provide assistance and support to the disaster-stricken areas.

Natural disasters are merciless, but human compassion endures. This is exemplified by the mutual support between China and Myanmar through weal and woe. As a friendly neighbor and Pauk-phaw to Myanmar, China extended a helping hand immediately after the earthquake.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang sent messages of condolence to Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing, expressing deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathy to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the people in the disaster-stricken areas. They affirmed that China stands ready to provide necessary assistance to help the people in the affected regions overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes as soon as possible. The Chinese government announced emergency humanitarian aid of 1.1 billion yuan to support Myanmar in conducting emergency rescue, epidemic prevention and control, and recovery and reconstruction. Four official Chinese rescue teams and nearly 30 civilian rescue teams, totaling over 600 people, made haste to the disaster-stricken areas overnight and tirelessly searched for survivors. At the same time, 9 batches of relief supplies were imminently shipped to Myanmar, including 3,940 tents, 10,000 blankets, 40,000 mosquito nets, 18,000 tarpulins, 55,000 first aid kits, 1,048 sets of water purification equipments, 7,000 boxes of instant food, 2,000 sets of outdoor cookware, 10,000 solar lamps, 40,000 sets of hygiene products, 648,000 doses of cholera vaccines, 68,000 doses of tetanus vaccines, 3,117,000 boxes/bottles of medicine, and 163,000 pieces of medical consumables and equipments.

Chinese medical team rushed to provide medical treatment and epidemic prevention and control services in the disaster-stricken areas together with the rescue teams. Aftermath, teams of experts in health and epidemic prevention and earthquake disaster assessment traveled to the disaster-stricken areas to carry out their work. Chinese enterprises, institutions, non-governmental organizations, and people from all walks of life enthusiastically donated money and materials, and provided volunteer services. Chinese media extensively reported from the disaster-stricken areas, calling on all parties to join hands in the earthquake relief efforts. China was the first country to announce aid to Myanmar, the first to send rescue teams, and the first to establish temporary shelters. It was also the country sending the most rescue teams and personnel, rescuing the most survivors and providing the largest humanitarian supplies.

Natural disasters are merciless, but human compassion endures. This is exemplified by the resilience and tenacity of the Myanmar people. A month has passed since the earthquake, and while the pain lingers in those affected, the courage, optimism, and resilience of Myanmar people have illuminated hope for the future. Despite their sorrow, the affected people have actively engaged in self-help and mutual assistance. Teachers, with remarkable courage, returned to dangerous areas to organize student evacuations. At the same time, charitable organizations and individuals quickly took action, donating funds and providing support. Residents provided iced tea, watermelon, and meals to international rescue team members and applied Thanaka to help them stay cool and away from mosquito. These vivid scenes showcase the courage, kindness, and unity of the Myanmar people. I firmly believe that Myanmar people will rebuild their homes in the shortest possible time, and this golden land will surely radiate an even more dazzling brilliance.

Natural disasters are merciless, but human compassion endures. This is exemplified by the vibrant practice of building a community with a shared future between China and Myanmar. The friendship between our two countries has endured for over 2,000 years, from frequent historical exchanges to jointly advocating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, to now building a community with a shared future. This not only inherits the Pauk-Phaw friendship but also embodies the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness.

Amity lies in blood connection. China and Myanmar are geographically close, culturally linked, and share Buddhist ties. The mighty Irrawaddy River, born in Chinese highlands,  journeys through Myanmar's heartland, fostering a long-standing friendship and integration. The term "Pauk-phaw" in Burmese, which literally means "siblings from the same womb," perfectly captures the familial closeness Myanmar people feel toward their Chinese counterparts. Our modern partnership was forged in the crucible of a shared struggle against colonialism and imperialism. Myanmar's distinction as the first country with a different political system to acknowledge People's Republic of China marked a watershed moment in international relations. The frequent mutual visits between the older generation of leaders from both countries, represented by Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister U Nu, blossomed into diplomatic legend, establishing a pattern of high-level exchange that continues today. In 2020, President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Myanmar, ushering in a new era of jointly building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

Sincerity lies in heart-to-heart communication. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 75 years ago, China and Myanmar have cultivated a relationship characterized by mutual trust, respect, and support. Together, our countries have championed and exemplified the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting an example of equality, mutual benefit, and common development among countries big and small. China respects Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pursuing a development path that suits its own conditions. China has actively assisted Myanmar in advancing the peace process in northern Myanmar based on the wishes and demands of relevant parties in Myanmar. Regardless of how the situation changes, China's commitment to Myanmar's peace and stability, sustained economic development, and the better welfare of its people remains unchanged.

Mutual benefit lies in win-win cooperation. Our joint effort to build the Belt and Road and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, consistently adheres to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, aiming to achieve equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes. China's vast market provides an export destination for Myanmar's agricultural, livestock, and aquatic products and continues to expand access. Chinese enterprises bring capital, technology, and expertise to Myanmar's manufacturing sector while participating in the construction of railways, ports, and industrial parks. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund has nurtured over 110 "small yet beautiful" projects. China-Myanmar cooperation has helped create jobs, improve livelihoods, and develop Myanmar's economy.

Inclusiveness lies in mutual exchange and mutual learning. Both China and Myanmar have long and splendid civilizations, with exchanges and mutual learning that dates back long. The sophisticated music and dance of Myanmar's Pyu Kingdom captivated audiences in Chang'an (modern Xi'an), capital of Tang Dynasty, inspiring China's renowned poet Bai Juyi to write down the famous poem that passed down through the ages. Caravans traversing the ancient tea-horse road between Yunnan and Myanmar were bustling, with the fragrance of tea filling the air. Exchanges and cooperation in literature, art, Buddhism, and other fields between the two countries have been going on continually. In a significant gesture of cultural appreciation, Myanmar designated the Chinese Spring Festival as an official public holiday. Cultural performances featuring Chinese martial arts, flute, and guzheng melodies intertwined with Myanmar's traditional dances on the festive stage create harmonious expressions of our distinct yet compatible artistic heritages.

Natural disasters are merciless, but human compassion endures. This is exemplified by the shared aspiration to build peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, and friendly "five homes" in Asia. Many Asian countries have provided active support and assistance to Myanmar in earthquake relief, fully embodying the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness. The world is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, and Asia stands at a new starting point for revitalization, facing development opportunities and risks that are both unprecedented. In early April, I returned to China to attend the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries. It was emphasized at the conference that, China will consolidate strategic mutual trust with its neighbors, support regional countries in following a steady development path, and properly manage differences and disputes. China will also deepen development integration with its neighbors, build a high-level connectivity network, strengthen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, maintain regional stability, conduct security and law enforcement cooperation, respond to various risks and challenges, expand people-to-people interactions and communication, and facilitate personnel exchanges.

China will continue to be a positive force for stability, cooperation, and progress in a turbulent and changing world, fostering good regional relations, mutual security for neighboring countries, and prosperity for trade partners. We will endeavor to maintain friendly cooperation with neighboring countries, including Myanmar, and work together to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. This collaborative approach ensured that Chinese modernization generates benefits beyond our borders, energizes solidarity among Global South countries, preserves regional peace and stability, and accelerates Asia's collective modernization journey.

The earthquake may have torn the land apart, but it cannot sever China-Myanmar “pauk-phaw” friendship, nor can it shake our belief and confidence in standing together through hardships. China will continue to extend its assistance to Myanmar by providing prefabricated houses, mobile operation rooms, and other essential supplies. Additionally, we will dispatch experts in structural inspection and cultural relic protection to Myanmar to actively participate in post-disaster reconstruction efforts, aiding Myanmar people in swiftly resuming normal life. As we jointly commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar this year, we reaffirm our commitment to elevating bilateral ties to new heights, and promoting the steady and long-term development of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future in the new era.