Delays loom as Myanmar faces uncertainty in launching Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway project
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Phyo/ Yoon (NP News) - Dec 18
A local business owner in Kyaukphyu Township have reported that the commencement of the Kyaukphyu-Kunming Railway project on the Myanmar side remains uncertain.
In addition to carrying out preparations for the Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway construction, Dr. Zheng Zhihong, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, stated in recent days that they hope to create a peaceful and stable environment to facilitate the successful construction of the project.
Currently, it is known that the project has not yet been able to begin on the ground from the Myanmar side.
“On the ground, there hasn’t been any significant action yet. The so-called peace and stability mentioned by the Chinese ambassador is difficult to comment on. It depends on how they act. Whether it will involve nuclear weapons, a balanced approach, an apology, or negotiations, it all depends. The process of negotiating between those who desire peace and stability and those who create instability depends on both sides,” the above-mentioned local business owner said.
“Therefore, the commencement of the Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway project on the Myanmar side is in a situation where it is difficult to estimate, and it is necessary to start and proceed with the construction at locations that are feasible,” he continued.
"If we are to achieve peace and stability, it is difficult to estimate when it will start. The French Revolution took about 300 years. As for our country, we do not know how long it will take. In terms of the railway project, there has been progress in the documentation. On the Chinese side, everything is already completed. From Kunming to the Myanmar border, the railway is ready for travel, and everything is finished. As for the peace and stability in the border region, it will be negotiated with both the locals and China. It will also be negotiated with the government. The chairperson of the State Administration Council (SAC) has officially directed to proceed with the construction at the feasible locations as quickly as possible. I believe that peace and stability will be implemented in the areas where they are working. As for nationwide peace and stability, it will take time and will be a gradual process. If it doesn't start, we will never reach the stage of peace and stability. Only by taking the first step will we be able to reach the destination,” he said.
The China-Myanmar railway is an important project for both countries, a significant strategic initiative, and a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as the China-Myanmar economic corridor construction.
It is estimated that the Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway project will cost 8.9 billion US dollars.
Additionally, the SAC chairman announced during a visit to Kunming in November that the construction of the new Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway will begin at locations where construction can be started, based on the conditions of the region.
Currently, due to the instability within Rakhine State, it is reported that the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port project has not yet been able to commence.