China woos Myanmar, tries to massage its public image
According to the State Council Information Office of the Chinese foreign ministry, Beijing has invited more than 100 journalists, government officials and members of parliament to visit the country, as well as 100 students to study in China. In what seems likely to be a concerted and protracted charm offensive, China has been inviting hundreds of Myanmar opinion-formers to “improve understanding” on their part of China’s intentions. China is telling Myanmar that it knows Myanmar has changed, and that China’s attitude has changed too. U Than Soe Naing, a political analyst, said efforts at the highest levels to improve China’s image in Myanmar were still bedevilled by long-running issues like the Myitsone dam and the Letpadaung copper mine project. But any readjustment of the relationship with China has to be managed with great care.
