CSOs to send an open letter to Chinese President for total shutdown of Myitsone Dam Project

CSOs to send an open letter to Chinese President for total shutdown of Myitsone Dam Project
Published 16 January 2020

 

Kachin-based civil society organizations will send an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, asking for the total cancellation of controversial Myitsone Dam Project as it may threaten peace across the country, including Kachin State and hampers “Paukphaw” relation between Myanmar and China. 

The CSOs plans to send this open letter to the Chinese President who will pay a goodwill visit to Myanmar on January 17.  

The CSOs call for the complete shutdown of the dam project as the lack of transparency in the contract signing and sufficient surveys cause a loss to locals. 

Naung Khaing Tu Aung, a local from Myitsone said: “Myitsone is the river of the whole country. As it is an invaluable one for the country, the implementation of project should not be allowed.”

The open letter covers the facts that should be followed by the Chinese companies in implementing investment projects and doing the businesses. 

The CSOs plan to send an open letter to the organization by which the Chinese President will be accompanied and Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. Till January 15, around 40 CSOs based in Kachin State have signed the letter. 

On January 16, the open letter will be sent to the Myanmar President Office and the Myanmar State Counsellor Office. 

At the invitation of President U Win Myint, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Myanmar on January 17-18. His tour marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China. During President Xi’s tour, both sides will sign the MoUs including economic, trade and Kyaukphyu deep seaport project.