The Dawn of a New State: Trust, Stability, and Development

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Zaw Oo

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The Dawn of a New State: Trust, Stability, and Development

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Myanmar has entered the dawn of a new state after years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, internal armed conflict, and the expansion of illicit war economies. The successful conduct of multiparty general elections earlier this year marks a critical milestone in the country’s transition toward a new political and economic order. Against this backdrop, a high-level forum convened over the weekend in Nay Pyi Taw, bringing together regional thinkers, Myanmar scholars, and newly elected parliamentary representatives. The forum focused on identifying practical pathways towards trust, stability, and development. Participants examined how the incoming government can move beyond emergency, stability-oriented governance towards inclusive, market-driven development grounded in public trust.
In this transition, the new parliament will play a pivotal role. As elected representatives of the people, lawmakers are uniquely positioned to rebuild public confidence by translating citizens’ priorities into a people-centred economic agenda and a citizens’ budget. While political and diplomatic challenges remain, the economic front offers a clear and pragmatic path forward, particularly through deeper cooperation with neighbouring countries. Scholars from China, India, Thailand, and Europe emphasized that Myanmar can transform its geography from a site of conflict into a hub for regional connectivity and food security. The forum’s participants shared a common aspiration: to move beyond stopgap policies and build a resilient, integrated economy at the dawn of the new state.
As Myanmar relied heavily on agriculture for community survival during years of instability, the forum underscored the urgency of revitalizing rural livelihoods. Participants explored ways to establish food security corridors that support inclusive growth while rebuilding trust in conflict-affected rural areas. More than 60 per cent of Myanmar’s agricultural export earnings come from pulses, corn, and seafood traded with India, China, and Thailand. The resilience of these supply chains through five years of pandemic and conflict highlights a clear opportunity for regional partners to guarantee restriction-free trade and secure logistics. Such cooperation could deliver tangible peace dividends, as many of these crops are grown and transported through conflict-affected regions. Over time, this partnership could catalyze a shift from subsistence farming to agro-processing, positioning Myanmar as a reliable food corridor – a “guaranteed pantry” for some of the world’s largest populations.
A shared vision among regional scholars emphasized Myanmar’s strategic location at the crossroads of China, India, and ASEAN. Elected representatives discussed how the country can serve as a gateway linking landlocked Northeast India and Southwest China to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. While Myanmar offers the shortest physical routes for the movement of goods and people, participants stressed that connectivity must go beyond infrastructure. True connectivity also requires “software”: knowledge exchange, technology transfer, labour mobility, and a functioning digital economy.
Several practical ideas emerged to accelerate comprehensive connectivity. First, while large-scale infrastructure development takes time and depends on improved security, partnerships can begin immediately through capacity building in governance, technology, and skills relevant to connectivity projects. Second, even as low-intensity conflicts persist in some border areas, pilot projects can be launched in central hubs such as Mandalay towards the periphery, alongside ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction. This approach would signal to conflict-affected regions that peace brings tangible development dividends.
The forum also recognized Myanmar’s progress in dismantling cyber-scam centres and illicit networks in formerly ungoverned areas. However, participants agreed that deeper multilateral cooperation is now essential to address emerging threats, including cyber insecurity and illicit financial flows. National speakers and lawmakers also highlighted the urgency of labour shortages and brain drain. Proposed solutions included promoting circular migration to achieve brain gain, expanding affordable legal migration pathways, and strengthening formal remittance channels to leverage domestic development. Additional partnership opportunities were identified in the digital economy, financial inclusion, and human capital development – all addressing the dangers of decentralizing cyber scam centres. Discussions also touched on ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, with calls to move beyond a narrow focus on conflict management toward a stability-to-development continuum and renewed economic cooperation, as today’s conflict dynamics are increasingly shaped by war economies rather than political grievances.
Private-sector voices pushed the discussion further. One speaker argued that reaching the “full light of day” requires a return to fundamentals – macroeconomic stabilization and policy coherence. Interventions highlighted the urgent need to address inflation, exchange-rate volatility, and policy uncertainty driven by conflict. A seasoned observer called for stronger alignment between laws, policies, and practices across key sectors – agriculture, manufacturing, services, and banking – to rehabilitate the economy and transition from restrictive, conflict-era controls to open-market operations.
Finally, the forum addressed the week’s most pressing global concern: energy security amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. With risks to supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, participants explored how Myanmar, like its regional peers, can proactively manage potential energy shocks. Proposed measures included fuel conservation, electricity demand and tariff management, and transparent digital rationing mechanisms, drawing lessons from regional experiences. The discussion also reinforced the importance of a long-term energy transition strategy, expanding renewable energy, strengthening grid resilience, and diversifying energy sources, to unlock Myanmar’s potential within the region’s broader push towards sustainable energy transformation.

gnlm

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In this context, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), founded on mutual trust, shared benefit and sustainable development among its member countries, has achieved significant progress over the past decade. It has also embraced the goals of socioeconomic development and prosperity of the people across the region. For Myanmar, this cooperation — rooted in the existing “Pauk-Phaw” friendship with China — has strengthened the historic partnership between the two countries and helped it grow in line with the modern era. This progress is indeed a source of pride and satisfaction.Shared Vision and Firm PrinciplesThe MLC was founded with the vision of “Building a Community of Shared Future” to support regional socioeconomic development, enhance prosperity, narrow the development gap, support the ASEAN Community, implement UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote South-South cooperation.Guided by the principles of consensus, equality, mutual consultation, voluntarism, collective engagement, shared benefit and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law, the MLC has become one of the most practical and efficient regional mechanisms.A Decade of Achievements and Promising Future ProspectsAs it transitions into a new decade, the MLC has now firmly evolved into a comprehensive sub-regional cooperation mechanism that encompasses multiple levels of engagement from people-to-people cooperation to the Leaders’ level. Throughout the past decade, member countries have consistently carried out cooperation aimed at regional peace, stability, and development while maintaining friendly and close relations among themselves. As a result, tangible progress has been achieved, generating positive outcomes that support the socioeconomic development of the people in the region.Notably, since 2017, China’s initiative, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, has been instrumental in implementing people-centred development projects with a total budget of US$300 million. It is heartening to observe that over the past decade, a total of 991 projects have been approved across all member countries. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the socioeconomic development of the people residing along the Mekong River Basin.Moreover, amidst the global economic challenges, the MLC stands as a driver for economic and trade cooperation among Member States. China remains the primary trading partner for the Mekong countries. It is encouraging to see the report that the total trade between China and the Mekong countries has been recorded at over US$500 billion in 2025.The MLC has also proven its resilience against global crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, “Fast Tracks” and “Green Lanes” initiatives were implemented to maintain regional trade. In addition, the joint efforts on combatting transnational crimes, particularly online scams and human trafficking through initiatives such as “Operation SEAGULL” and “Safe Lancang-Mekong 2025” Joint Operation (launched on 26 February 2025) have strengthened regional security. Myanmar, as a responsible member, has actively participated in these efforts.In truth, our six nations are like “fellow travellers in the same boat,” navigating together towards a shared future under the banner of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation. By rowing in unity and supporting one another, we can undoubtedly overcome any obstacle without wavering and reach our envisioned destination successfully. As we elevate the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation from its foundations to a more advanced stage of development — Mekong-Lancang Cooperation 2.0 (MLC 2.0) — we remain steadfast in our resolve to build a better community based on unity, mutual respect, and mutual benefit. We will accelerate our cooperation in existing sectors such as law enforcement, connectivity, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, water resource management, and human resource development while fostering our collaboration in emerging fields, including AI-based digital transformation, sustainable development, innovation, and combatting non-traditional security issues.MLC and Myanmar’s Strategic RoleIn fact, Mekong and Lancang share the same river — upstream is called ‘Lancang’ in China and the downstream is called ‘Mekong’, which runs across Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam, spanning approximately 4,350 kilometres. 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Grounded in the MLC’s shared vision, fundamental principles, and its three main pillars — Political and Security; Economic and Sustainable Development; and Social, Cultural, and People-to-People Exchanges — Myanmar focused its efforts on promoting cooperation in regional integration and addressing both traditional and non-traditional security issues, as well as strengthening collaboration in law enforcement, water resources management, science, technology, and innovation.In addition to its co-chairmanship, Myanmar hosted the 4th MLC Leaders’ Meeting and the 7th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and also co-chaired the 6th and 9th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in collaboration with China. The culmination of these efforts led to the adoption of key documents, namely the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration and the MLC Plan of Action (2023-2027), as well as a consensus among Member States to establish a meeting mechanism for the MLC Innovation Corridor.As Myanmar attaches great importance to the MLC and has been actively participating in its activities, Myanmar celebrated the 10th anniversary of the MLC with a series of activities such as publishing commemorative articles and celebratory advertisement in state-owned newspapers alongside the broadcasting of documentary video, hosting a commemorative reception and a photo exhibition on 5 March 2026 at M Gallery Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw — which showcased the successful implementation of LMC Special Fund projects and brought together the Union Ministers and Senior Officials from the LMC Special Fund projects implementing ministries and Ambassadors and diplomats from MLC Member States.Complementary of Myanmar-China Relations and MLCCommenced in 1950, the diplomatic journey between Myanmar and China reached its 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) in 2025, and it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2011. This enduring relationship remains remarkably resilient today, characterized by a unique diplomatic model. Its longevity is anchored in several foundational pillars: the visionary leadership of both nations, a shared geography as close neighbours, and deep-rooted cultural affinities. Furthermore, the partnership continues to thrive on the bedrock of the “Pauk-Phaw” spirit and a steadfast commitment to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, ensuring a bond that remains as firm as ever in the modern era.It would not be an overstatement to suggest that the bilateral relationship between Myanmar and China and the MLC framework are fundamentally synergistic and reinforcing one another. The deep-seated trust and robust diplomatic ties shared by the two nations provide a firm political foundation for regional engagement. Conversely, the success of this regional cooperation further cements bilateral ties, allowing both nations to achieve their shared goals through collective strength and more effective implementation.Projects implemented under the LMC Special Fund are those that directly enhance the socioeconomic lives of the populace. These initiatives play a vital role in supporting Myanmar’s national efforts toward socioeconomic development. Myanmar stands as one of the top recipients of projects among the MLC member states. From 2017 to 2025, the country was granted a total of 132 projects under the LMC Special Fund, with a cumulative value of over US$38.6 million. To date, over 100 of these projects have been successfully implemented, yielding substantial benefits across various sectors in Myanmar, including agriculture and livestock, rural development, infrastructure development, health, science and technology and MSMEs.From a Decade to a CenturyTo summarize, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) continues to accelerate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and the countries in the Mekong region. Furthermore, it serves as a mechanism that strengthens the robust bilateral ties and close collaboration between China and its regional neighbours. The mutual friendship and cooperation among these nations are the cornerstones of the MLC’s long-term sustainability and success. As a regional state, Myanmar remains an inseparable partner with China, committed to the interests of both peoples, as well as to the stability, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development of the region. In this regard, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation — grounded in sincerity and goodwill — should continue to strive towards enduring from its golden decade into the century ahead. With this aspiration, this commemorative note is presented in honour of the 10th Anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.(Views expressed in the article solely belong to the author.)gnlm
A Decade of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Forging Ahead Together Towards a Shared Future
A Decade of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Forging Ahead Together Towards a Shared Future
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With a commitment to putting people first, we should work to deliver real benefits for the people of our six countries. Standing at a new starting point, China will follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness on neighbourhood diplomacy, and work with the five Mekong countries to usher in a new golden decade of the LMC. Together, let us build a peaceful, safe, secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, and make our contribution to peace and development in our region and the wider world.(Views expressed in the article solely belong to the author.)gnlm
I Say What I See: Parliament — A Platform for Turning People’s Voices into Reality Parliament: Bridging Citizens’ Voices and Tangible Change
I Say What I See: Parliament — A Platform for Turning People’s Voices into Reality Parliament: Bridging Citizens’ Voices and Tangible Change
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Chinese desire for a brighter shared future spotted in the Two Sessions week
Chinese desire for a brighter shared future spotted in the Two Sessions week
The annual top meetings of China’s legislative and political advisory bodies were convened from 4 to 12 March 2026. A wide range of topics from domestic goals and objectives, legal reviews, accelerating development plans, advancing high-quality technology, Artificial Intelligence, quantum technology and robotics to foreign policy to contribute to ensuring global stability were discussed.Because China plays a major role on the international stage, this year’s Two Sessions attracted significant attention from foreign audiences. It is not only the first year of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, but the meeting took place amid rising global uncertainty, economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.Advancing technologiesAs China accomplished its 14th National Five-Year Plan last year with colourful achievements, this year, the Chinese people set themselves to start the engine for transforming their innovations into next steps – from good and high-quality technologies to hyper and very advanced techs with green development – as involved in the top priorities of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan of China.In the previous Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged promoting the peaceful development of AI, along with prioritizing to ensure safety and fairness for all people from all over the world. In fact, we have already witnessed that China’s peaceful rise and peaceful development have contributed a lot to benefiting mankind. So, this year, since it is the initial year in transiting good and high-quality capacity to hyper and advanced tech innovation of China, that breakthrough is also expected to provide peaceful benefits to the world.Rejuvenation without ignoring the psychological contractBeyond the headlines telling about trade, economic growth, science and technology, and national GDP targets, it is learned that the congress reviewed a draft law on promoting and protecting ethnic unity. Without a doubt, internal unity is considered of great importance for every nation in today’s increasingly competitive and aggressive global environment.Reports suggested that the draft law aims to strengthen the legal foundation and statutory responsibility for advancing common prosperity among the 56 ethnic groups of China. It also aims to protect the ethnic unity within a legal framework by ensuring the rule of law. “Targeting acts that erode ethnic unity, violent terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism will face criminal liability if constituting crimes,” it reportedly said.Thus, the proposed draft law is expected to provide a greater sense of security among ethnic minorities, which in turn allows for focus on steadfast development in the ethnic population areas, the ethnic representatives to the Congress remarked.Multilateralism: A remedy to heal the worldCome the year 2026, time flies; global trends and directions have shifted; and the world has entered a new period of turbulence. Still, challenges remain to uphold the voice and rights of the Global South.The collective rise of the Global South is a breakthrough in reshaping the world. Yet, there are many challenges for the shared journey of Global South countries towards modernization including eradicating poverty, hunger, war and inequality. The role of the Global South, especially Asia and Africa, in resisting and fighting against colonialism in human history should not be denied or discredited. Sovereign equality must be respected.The world is a shared place where countries with different behaviours, different histories, different beliefs and different colours live together. Accordingly, safeguarding peace and the well-being of the world we live in is the common interest of all nations. Unity and equality are placed as some crucial measures in balancing disparities and unfair treatment among diversities. Should major countries play a constructive role by using their strengths? China is a large country that is highly committed to strengthening coordination with the Global South on the road to building a community with a shared future.China’s heart is withthe Global South; China’s root is in the Global South – Wang YiChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, answered questions from Chinese and foreign media on 8 March at the sidelines of the event. Echoing the Chinese FM’s words during the press conference, it can be seen that China’s policy on global peace, global governance, and the role of the Global South remains consistently unchanged, promoting the practices of multilateralism with values of the United Nations at the core.He reiterated the vital role of the United Nations in a very hectic, aggressive and volatile international landscape. The UN remains at the position of the cornerstone to prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle, said the Chinese FM, encouraging the Global South countries to unite and cooperate in defending their rights and interests.Impressively, he also dismissed the rhetoric ideology of ruling the world by a few major countries, asserting that global governance should be engaged by all countries; and global affairs should be decided by all countries on an equal basis. “China has inscribed in its Constitution that it follows an independent foreign policy and is committed to pursuing a path of peaceful development. Chinese leaders have often declared to the world that no matter how the international situation evolves and how strong China becomes, it will never seek hegemony or expansion,” he said.Motivated to build a shared future, the FM affirmed that the 15th Five-Year Plan will not only be a new blueprint for China’s development but also a new vision of win-win cooperation with the rest of the world. To abridge, Chinese commitment to follow a community with a shared future not only for domestic prosperity but also for the global well-being is obviously observed in the recent Two Sessions event.gnlm
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