NAY PYI TAW January 25
Chinese New Year (2025), the year of the snake, was celebrated at National Indoor Stadium (1), Thuwunna, Yangon this evening, graced by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla.
First, the Senior General and wife were warmly welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar H.E. Ms. Ma Jia, honoured guests and officials.
Then, the Senior General and wife and attendees arrived at the venue of the New Year festival. Afterwards, union ministers, U Tin Oo Lwin, U Min Naung and U Tun Ohn, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, ministers of Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, the patron of Myanmar-Chinese Buddhist and Cultural Exchange Conference, counsellors of Inter-racial Unity Association, the president of Chinese Traders Federation of Myanmar, the chair of Yunnan Social Welfare Association, the chair of Hokkyant (Fujian) Chinese Association, and the chairs of Chinese associations formally opened the New Year festival.
The Senior General and wife and the Chinese ambassador were welcomed by eight lions with Chinese New Year commemorative towels in their honor. The Senior General and the ambassador formally opened the Chinese New Year festival by pushing a button.
Later Chinese New Year Festival was observed, and a shaolin monk extended New Year greetings and prayed for further strengthening of China-Myanmar friendship. The Senior General and wife, and attendees enjoyed the shaolin kung fu demonstration.The Senior General and wife presented Buddha Images and fruit baskets to shaolin monks, who in return, presented commemorative gifts.
The Senior General and wife, the ambassador and attendees posed for group documentary photos with members of Chinese associations and shaolin monks. After enjoying the group-wise cultural performances staged in their honor by entertainment groups, the Senior General and wife presented cash awards to them.
The Senior General and wife and attendees looked around the China Town Chinese cultural exhibitions and Chinese food booths. Chinese New Year dinner was hosted. First the auspicious ceremony to bring the Chinese lion statue into life by painting it was held. The Senior General and wife and the ambassador applied paint on the statue in accord with the Chinese tradition.
Then the Chinese traditional lion dance troupe staged a performance in their honour. wishes, the Senior General said the over 5,000-year-old culture of China still exists today, and the country has preserved the records of the world’s longest cultural history. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has been celebrated for over 3,500 years in accordance with traditional cultural customs and has been passed down from generation to generation, ensuring its preservation.
According to Chinese tradition, 2025 is the Year of the Snake, one of the 12 traditional Chinese zodiac animals. The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, strategic change, reorganization, growth, and insight. It is believed that this year will enable the Chinese people to achieve greater progress and bring about changes to fulfill their aspirations.
China and Myanmar share a geographical border spanning over 1,300 miles, reflecting close ties in ethnicity and culture. Historical records indicate that bilateral relations date back to 901 AD, signifying a relationship that has endured for more than a thousand years. With thousands of years of relations and a long-shared border, 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.
Officials from China and Myanmar made reciprocal goodwill visits in 2024, showcasing the strong friendship between the two countries. He stated that he visited China in November of last year at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and participated in the Greater Mekong Summit and related meetings.
He also stated that, along with meeting the Chinese Premier, he also held separate discussions with leaders of ASEAN countries attending the event. 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.
The reaffirmed discussions and assistance provided by Chinese officials to Myanmar’s efforts further demonstrate that China remains a steadfast friend to Myanmar, and Myanmar would like to express its gratitude to China for this continued support. 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. Additionally, he stated that he visited key landmarks, universities, and factories in Kunming, Chongqing, and Shenzhen, witnessing firsthand the results of the hard work of the Chinese people.
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.
On 8 June 1950, the establishment of official diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar marked the beginning of their formal ties. This means that by the upcoming 8 June, their diplomatic relations will have reached a milestone of 75 years. Based on the foundation of the longstanding friendship between the two nations, which has existed for many years, China and Myanmar have supported each other in various matters since the establishment of their diplomatic ties. Myanmar was the first country in Asia to officially recognize the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and has consistently upheld the One-China policy firmly to this day. In 1954, during Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai’s visit to Myanmar, both countries jointly announced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which became a significant milestone in the history of their bilateral relations. Up to now, these principles remain a guiding framework for the relations between the two countries, exemplifying the true essence of their brotherly and cooperative relationship.
Myanmar, with its long-standing historical ties and bilateral relations with China, has decided to designate Chinese New Year as an official public holiday starting from 2025. This designation signifies Myanmar’s recognition for China’s position and perspective toward Myanmar. It also reflects support for China’s long-term vision of promotingmultilateral unity and collaboration.
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. It was stated that both China and Myanmar have shared a bond of friendship that has endured for many years, one that is so deeply rooted and resilient that no method or action could possibly disrupt it. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate this enduring connection. 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.
Then, the Senior General and his wife and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar exchanged commemorative gifts to mark the 2025 Snake Year of Chinese New Year.
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. She noted that throughout history, generation after generation of Chinese people have crossed mountains and rivers to reach the beautiful and serene land of Myanmar, where they have peacefully settled and engaged in livelihoods.
These individuals have actively integrated into the larger family of Myanmar, which is home to various ethnic groups, and have become important contributors and participants in Myanmar’s economic and social development, as well as in fostering China-Myanmar friendship.
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. It is believed that in the coming year, by joining hands, they can continuecontributing to the construction of a shared future and a harmonious community for China and Myanmar. Together, they will build a beautiful future for both nations, ensuring mutual development, prosperity, and peace. With this in mind, best wishes are extended for continued growth, harmony, and lasting peace between the two countries.
Afterward, 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, including martial arts demonstrations by Shaolin monks. Under the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, the Myawady Entertainment Troupe and artists showcased dances, musical performances, and songs promoting Sino-Myanmar friendship. 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).
The Senior General and his wife and the Chinese Ambassador presented flower baskets to the Chinese traditional dance troupes from China, the Myawady Entertainment Troupe from the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare and artistes.
All participants and artistes sang the theme song titled “Let all flowers blossom”. After the ceremony, the Senior General and his wife cordially greeted the attendees.
