Irrawaddy-March 20
Myanmar is the major beneficiary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) special fund, Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai argued in junta newspapers on Wednesday. The fund has helped Myanmar implement 106 projects, worth around US$31.6 million, between 2017 and 2023. Chen’s article said the fund helped Myanmar more than other members of the group. “With its remarkable progress and achievements, the LMC has become a highlight of China-Myanmar cooperation,” he added. The Chinese-led initiative also includes Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. China refused to condemn the 2021 coup and the regime’s subsequent deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests. China and Russia have vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions targeting the regime and both countries have deepened ties since the coup. The LMC was formed in 2016 to promote regional peace and prosperity, to narrow development gaps and encourage sustainable development along the Mekong River, which is called the Lancang in China. The special fund has financed education, health, human resources, culture, agriculture, forestry, border trade, tourism and water resources projects in Myanmar, according to the junta. Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing told the fourth LMC leaders’ meeting held online in December that the projects contribute to Myanmar’s socio-economic development. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmar-china-watch/myanmar-is-main-beneficiary-of-chinese-fund-ambassador.html
