Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia has told the junta-appointed Myanmar Press Council that it is necessary to help share what she described as an accurate image of China in order to strengthen friendship between China and Myanmar.

The remarks were made during a China–Myanmar media exchange event held on 26 May at the Wyndham Grand Yangon in Yangon.

According to reports from the meeting, discussions focused on issues including national image-building, strengthening mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the two countries, and maintaining the long-standing “Pauk-Phaw (fraternal)” friendship between China and Myanmar.

Dr. Tin Htun Oo, chairman of the junta-appointed Myanmar Press Council, said such China–Myanmar media exchanges could improve understanding between media organizations and help facilitate more accurate information sharing.

However, a China affairs analyst told New Day Myanmar that the ambassador’s comments effectively amounted to encouraging media outlets to promote positive narratives about China.

“What they mean by ‘accurate’ is essentially promoting positive stories about China. It is about using the media to publicize and support Chinese projects,” the analyst said.

The comments come amid ongoing debate over China’s role in Myanmar, including its investments, infrastructure projects and diplomatic engagement with the military authorities.