PEACE and stability play a crucial role in the daily life of the people as well as in the development of a country. A country that lacks peace and stability within its territory cannot achieve progress in all aspects. If peace and stability cannot be restored in border regions – a shared concern – then the countries along those borders will face disadvantages.

Hence, it is necessary to strive for peace and stability through­out the entire nation. As a result, all people will be able to enjoy hap­piness and prosperity, carrying out their livelihoods and businesses in a peaceful environment. At present, the government is making every effort to ensure peace and stability across the coun­try so that people can engage in business activities without disruption. Furthermore, if the nation remains peaceful and stable, foreign investment will flow in, and thriving business­es will contribute to national development.

At present, Myanmar and China share a border of about 1,300 miles, along which eight border posts have been estab­lished under the border region management and cooperation agreement to facilitate trade between the two countries. These border posts play a vital role in bilateral trade, includ­ing cross-border commerce. Currently, only the Muse-Ruili border post remains open for trading, while operations at the other seven have been suspended due to terrorist at­tacks by ethnic armed groups, which have disrupted bilateral trade activities.

In fact, border trade di­rectly contributes to improv­ing the socioeconomic life of people in both countries. Therefore, efforts must be made to resume border trade as much as possible by restoring peace and stability in the border regions. The instability along the Myanmar-China border also affects the economies of Yunnan Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing Municipality.

If Myanmar and China reopen the border posts, they can ex­pedite the flow of commodities, which will benefit both countries. In addition, such measures will help expand the trade route from Myanmar’s northeast region to Yunnan Province, Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality, and Nanning City in Guangxi Province of the People’s Republic of China.

The trade route will not only become a major corridor for trade between China and Myanmar, but it will also serve as a land bridge linking China’s southeastern, central, and southern regions with Myanmar, facilitating economic and trade connectivity with ASEAN countries. Therefore, priority must be given to jointly ensuring peace, stability, and security in the border areas between the two nations, both for their own interests and those of their neighbours.