Chinese envoy pushes for Myitsone dam
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YANGON - Hong Liang, Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, has urged Kachin State ethnic ministers and MPs to give a go-ahead for the Myitsone dam project.
Hong Liang and Chinese Counsellor Wang Yu visited Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, on June 2 and held discussions with the state government committee and Shan and Lisu ethnic representative ministers on Friday.
According to an official involved in the discussion, they discussed development in the border areas, peace, trade and use of advanced techniques.
"The Chinese delegation said the relationship between the two countries would bloom. They told us to encourage the public to back the Myitsone dam project which would boost development," the official said.
Hong Liang said: “China wants the government to discuss the Myitsone dam after taking advice from the public. The union government is in control. I would like the projected implemented. We need to communicate with the public.”
The ambassador met the northern Shan ethnic committee.
Sai Htein from the Shan ethnic group said: “We don’t know about the project because the government and the company did not tell us about it. Most ethnic Shan earn a living along the Ayeyawady River in Kachin State. That’s why they worry about the project because they don’t know its effect.”
The delegation visited orphanages in Mann Khein and Sitharpu wards in Myitkyina and donated rice, cooking oil and beans.
Environmental conservationist Dr Kyaw Thu said: “The project shouldn’t be implemented. There are hopes for peace under the new government but China is not acting like a good neighbour. It could help. For example, it should participate in the Wa issue and other armed conflicts. China should renew its diplomatic policy towards Myanmar.”
Dewi Thant Sin of the Myanmar Green Network said opposition to the project would stay, given many options available for power generating.
"In arid areas, we can generate power from solar energy. We don’t need more large hydropower projects. If the project continues, no peace talks will be made,” Dewi Thant Sint said.
Environmentalist Nyo Maung noted that there were many other places to generate hydropower. "Myitsone has much cultural heritage. There is an old church which would be flooded. It isn’t a suitable location.”
