Chinese state-run media has published an article calling on the Myanmar government to re-start work on the controversial multi-billion dollar Myitsone Dam in Kachin State. An article in the Global Times, which is regarded as being a government mouthpiece, said that if Myanmar wants to make itself an attractive destination for investment, it must “pay more attention to maintaining policy continuing and consistency”. An agreement for the project was first signed between the two countries when Myanmar was under military rule, but former president U Thein Sein suspended the project in 2011, in a move that was largely viewed as Myanmar wanting to become less reliant on Beijing and to forge closer ties with western allies. Despite calls by Beijing for it to be re-started, the National League for Democracy (NLD) government has still not given it the go-ahead. Local residents, especially ethnic Kachin, say the project would have a devastating impact on the environment. “China will keep talking to Myanmar over the stalled dam and try to find a practical way to resume the project based on mutually beneficial cooperation,” the editorial said. China has significant economic interests in Myanmar, including a planned deep-sea port and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State.