Newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Yang Houlan said on Wednesday that he is optimistic about the prospect of Sino-Myanmar relations and is full of confidence in the development of the bilateral ties although the two countries' relations are faced with some new factors.
Yang made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in the eve of Myanmar President U Thein Sein's upcoming China visit.
He said U Thein Sein's trip to China is made at an important timing and he will also attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference-2013 in Boao, Hainan Province.
He disclosed that President Xi Jinping will have talks with U Thein Sein and the two leaders will have a broad and deep exchange of views on the prospect of Sino-Myanmar relations, bilateral cooperation and the development of Myanmar's situation as well as regional and international situation.
Taking the opportunity, the two leaders will lay down a comprehensive plan dealing with the long-term development of Sino- Myanmar bilateral ties and the development of the two countries' strategic cooperation partnership, he said.
He expressed belief that President U Thein Sein's trip would bring about important impact on the long-term development of relations between China and Myanmar and would push the mutually beneficial cooperation in respective sectors.
Noting that Sino-Myanmar bilateral ties is faced with a new situation, Yang pointed out that Sino-Myanmar relations can be said to have been developing in a very healthy and steady manner for a long period until the emergence of some new factors linking with multi-sided changes.
He saw more diversification in Myanmar's political society over the past two years, in the course of which there emerged apparently interest and disparity, different concepts and voices over Sino-Myanmar ties and even on particular projects.
Along with the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Myanmar, outside force's game in Myanmar intensified, some of which do not want to see the healthy, smooth and rapid development of Sino-Myanmar relations and will find trouble, that is the new factor which the bilateral ties is faced with.
Giving the reasons for his optimism about the prospect of Sino- Myanmar ties, Yang said Sino-Myanmar relations are long standing with Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship deepened in the hearts of the two peoples and the foundation of public opinion over the development of the bilateral ties is firm which is an important pre-requisite for all-sided development of cooperation in respective sectors.
It can be seen that nationalities of Myanmar are friendly with China having aspiration to inherit such traditional Paukphaw friendship, he said.
Yang stressed that China and Myanmar have similar and close strategic interest as the two countries share a common boundary of more than 2,200 km. Myanmar's steady development conforms to China 's interest.
He hoped China's rapid development can benefit surrounding countries especially friendly neighbors like Myanmar.
He encouraged experienced Chinese companies to invest in Myanmar and establish business to realize win-win development.
He emphasized that both China and Myanmar are developing countries having similar views on regional and international issues, saying that China would maintain relatively better coordination and cooperation with the country and adding that China abides by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence since both of the countries were initiators.
Yang believes that despite facing with complication and challenges with some particular project, it can be settled if it is highly and strategically viewed on a long term basis.
Admitting that he is faced with much pressure by taking up the post of an ambassador at this time, Yang, however, expressed his full belief that he would make his utmost efforts to push the steady development of Sino-Myanmar relations while using beneficial conditions and factors.
