The death toll from Myanmar's earthquake rose to 3,600, with 5,017 people injured and 160 still missing as of Monday evening, according to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council.
A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 12:51 local time on March 28.
According to the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, a total of 89 aftershocks -- ranging in magnitude from 2.8 to 7.5 -- had been recorded by Sunday.
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 3,600
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 3,600
Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 3,600
People from all sectors in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia are anticipating Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visits, hoping the visits will elevate China's relations with the three countries and inject new momentum into building of a community with a shared future among neighboring countries.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong.
"This visit comes less than a year after To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, paid a state visit to China. General secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president Xi Jinping's state visit to Vietnam is a major diplomatic and political event of strategic significance in the history of both parties and both countries," said Bui Thanh Son, Vietnam’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs.
"I eagerly look forward to President Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam. I hope it will further expand bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and China in areas such as the economy, education, and more. I also hope to see strengthened cooperation between the provinces of both countries and deeper ties between our peoples. I sincerely hope that this visit will enhance collaboration in economy, trade, tourism, and other sectors, leading to mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes for both nations," said Le Dang Doanh, a Vietnamese economist.
President Xi will also pay state visits to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18, at the invitation of King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia.
In 2025, Malaysia holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and serves as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN relations.
People from all walks of life in Malaysia anticipate President Xi's visit, hoping it will deepen cooperation across various fields and foster the development of a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
"We expect the visit by President Xi on 15 to 17 of April. It's hoped to help enhance bilateral relations between our two countries. Of course, we look forward to enhancing also bilateral trade. China is an important trading partner for Malaysia, and in Malaysia's capacity as the chairman of ASEAN, there will definitely be a lot to discuss, and we look forward to hosting President Xi next week," said Fahmi Fadzil, minister of Communications of Malaysia.
"I think this is one of the most important visits for Malaysia, not only to Malaysia but to ASEAN and to the rest of the world. Of course, everyone is looking forward to the message of President Xi. Of course, we hope that China will remain an open trading economy, China will remain a trusted partner of the world, and China will remain committed to the rule-based system of global trade," said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s transport minister.
Experts and officials in Cambodia believe that President Xi's visit could elevate the development of the community with a shared future between China and Cambodia to a higher level.
"Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit this time highlights his commitment to the international community, especially Southeast Asia and ASEAN countries. We look forward to working with China to strengthen and expand regional peace and security and global development within the framework of mutually beneficial cooperation. This period can be seen as a key stage in building a community with a shared future for mankind. This visit is a manifestation of commitment and determination. I expect that this visit will promote more cooperation and deliver greater results for the Global South," said Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian-Chinese Evolution Research Association.
"We, the Cambodian people, are very happy and honored to hear the news that Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Cambodia. This visit by President Xi is a valuable opportunity to further develop relations between the two countries," said Hos Sereython, advisor to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and former ambassador to the Philippines and Laos.
Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia anticipate Xi's visit to strengthen ties
