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CHINA, MYANMAR A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY

In Myanmar， the word “Pawkphaw” means “born of the same parents”. This word has a long and special history in reference to the close relationship held between China and Myanmar.

The “China-Myanmar Border Peoples Get Together” was held in December 15-17， 1956 in Mans， capital of the Chinese Dehong Dai and Jingpo Ethnic Autonomous Prefecture. Addressing the celebration，Myanmar Prime Minister U Ba Swe used “Pawkphaw” to describe China-Myanmar friendship. In his speech， Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai expressed China's wish for everlasting friendship between the two peoples. From then on， “Pawkphaw” became a special term adopted by China and Myanmar to describe their unique relationship.

The 2，200-km-long border line between China and Myanmar is a ribbon of friendship and trade， closely linking the two neighbors. During China's Tang Dynasty （618-907）， the prince of the Myanmar Pyu Kingdom visited China along with an orchestra. During China's Ming and Qing Dynasties （1644-1911）， a special administrative organ was established to teach the Myanmar language and translate Myanmar works into Chinese. During World War II， the “Myanmar Road” was created to support the fght against Japanese fascism.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the holding of the “China-Myanmar Border Peoples Get Together”， which will allow both China and Myanmar an opportunity to renew and maintain their “Pawkphaw”friendship.