Myanmar junta designates Chinese New Year as public holiday
The idea of designating the Chinese New Year as a public holiday in Myanmar was initially discussed during a meeting between junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai last year.
09 Jul 2024
![Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai at Chinese New Year celebrations on February 19, 2024. (Photo: CINCDS)](https://assets.dmediag.com/2024/7/Chinese_New_Year.jpg)
DMG Newsroom
9 July 2024, Sittwe
Myanmar’s military regime announced on Monday that it has designated the Chinese New Year as a public holiday for 2025.
The move is intended to “deepen Pauk-Phaw [fraternal] relations with China,” said the regime.
Observers say the regime in doing so is attempting to solicit support from Beijing.
“The regime is facing growing isolation,” said political analyst U Than Soe Naing. “It is attempting to secure the support of China and Russia. Designating the Chinese New Year as a public holiday has nothing to do with the sovereignty of Myanmar. It will not have any impact [on the military situation] in Myanmar.”
The idea of designating the Chinese New Year as a public holiday in Myanmar was initially discussed during a meeting between junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai last year.
Deputy junta chief Soe Win is currently on his first official visit to China since the 2021 coup. In late June, former president U Thein Sein flew to Beijing to attend an event marking the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.
During his visit, Soe Win and Chinese officials discussed the provision of full security for Chinese investments in Myanmar.